Outlook is Microsoft's new data collection service (proton.me)

Article summary

Microsoft's new Outlook for Windows has been transformed into a data collection and ad delivery service, sharing user data with 801 third-party partners. The service uses data for targeted advertising, and users are prompted to choose how ads appear on their screen. Microsoft's data collection includes personal data such as name, contact information, and location, which is used to provide personalized ads and content. The company's shift towards data-driven advertising has raised concerns about user privacy and the potential for surveillance capitalism.

Main themes

• data collection
• targeted advertising
• user privacy
• surveillance capitalism
• alternative email services
• VPN effectiveness
• paid services vs free services
• security protocols

What commenters say

• Some users are outraged by the increasing presence of ads in paid software and services.
• The use of proprietary formats can lead to lock-in, making it difficult for users to switch to alternative products.
• Thunderbird is a viable alternative to Outlook for some users, but may not be suitable for those deeply integrated with O365.
• Paying for email services can be a way to avoid being the product, but some argue that even paid services can still collect and use user data for advertising purposes.
• The use of VPNs can provide a sense of security, but some argue that they are not effective in protecting user data and can even introduce new risks.
• Some users believe that paying for a bundle of services, including email, VPN, and cloud storage, can be a good value and provide strong security protocols.
• Others argue that using a VPN can be a waste of resources and that the benefits of using one are overstated.
• The effectiveness of VPNs in protecting user data is debated, with some arguing that they can be bypassed by ISPs and others arguing that they provide a necessary layer of security.