Microsoft has launched a campaign
openly criticising its rival Google for snooping on people’s emails.
The software company has said it is
appalled how Google uses “private information for profit” and found the
majority of people think scanning emails is “an invasion of privacy. “
In a series of new adverts, Microsoft
explains how Google reads every email users send, picking up on key words to
target advertising in a bid to make more cash.
In a survey Microsoft found 83 per
cent of people felt scanning emails was an invasion of privacy and 93 per cent
said they thought users should be allowed to opt out of the service – it is not
currently possible to do this as a Gmail user.
Microsoft, which makes most of its
money by selling software, has set up a website called keepyouremailprivate.com which
includes examples of how Google uses emails to make more money.
In one example a user emails a friend
about putting their cat down, with Google picking up on the words cat to target
adverts for catteries and pet products at the user. In another, an email about
divorce is said to generate ads about divorce lawyers.
Bill Cox, director of strategy at the
firm, told The Sun: “The data shows most people in the UK
are unaware Google is using their private information for profit. We’re as
appalled as they are.”
He said Microsoft’s email system,
Outlook.com, does not scan users’ emails.
A spokesman for Google said: “We
don’t deliver ads based on sensitive information, such as race, religion,
sexual orientation or sensitive financial categories.
Source:Telegraph
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