Microsoft exposes Google snooping

Microsoft_Building_99_610x407Microsoft has gone for the jugular in a new marketing campaign which openly criticises rival Google for deliberately snooping on people’s emails as a means of sending them targeted advertising.
The launch of the campaign coincides with a new Microsoft study which found 83% of people felt scanning emails was an invasion of privacy and 93% said they thought users should be allowed to opt out of the service – which is not currently possible a Gmail user.
In a series of new ads under the strapline “Keep calm and Keep your email private”, Microsoft explains how Google reads every email users send, picking up on key words to target advertising in a bid to make more cash. It has set up a dedicated website, keepyouremailprivate.com, which includes examples of how Google uses emails to make more money. The ads are appearing on Facebook and other online channels.
In one example a user emails a friend about putting their cat down, with Google picking up on the words cat to target ads for catteries and pet products at the user. In another, an email about divorce is said to generate ads about divorce lawyers.
Microsoft director of strategy Bill Cox said: “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 Google spokesman said: “We don’t deliver ads based on sensitive information, such as race, religion, sexual orientation or sensitive financial categories.”

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1 Comment on "Microsoft exposes Google snooping"

  1. Microsoft accuses Google of spying on emails to send ads in new marketing push http://t.co/evW5jz30s6 #directmarketing #digitalmarketing

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