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Now, before we dive right in, let’s address the elephant in the room: Proton and Outlook are direct competitors. It’s no secret they have a vested interest in highlighting each other’s shortcomings. However, with that in mind, let’s explore Proton’s accusations.
Microsoft and … Privacy
Because let’s face it, privacy and Microsoft have a somewhat…complicated relationship. Microsoft and privacy is a relationship that’s often as stable as a Windows update on launch day. I’ll stop here with the jokes.
While Microsoft’s security patches are well-respected (most of the time), whispers of questionable practices have long followed this IT giant. Privacy-focused email provider Proton claims that this update transforms Outlook from a trusty email app into a data collection service.
A Trojan Horse for Targeted Ads? Exploring Proton’s Claims
Proton claims Microsoft shares user data with a staggering 772 external partners.
If this is peak technology, i want out.
The scope of information that Outlook is reportedly collected is to say the least extensive. From geolocation, device details to your emails and contacts.
Microsoft does offer some control over what data is collected, but the sheer volume and the number of third-party recipients are undeniably a bit over the edge in terms of data privacy.
Microsoft: The New Google of Data Collection?
The answer, as with most things in tech, isn’t a simple yes or no. Microsoft may not be at Google’s level yet, but the line between convenient service and intrusive data collection has certainly become a little blurrier.
The Final Word: Bias and Transparency
As mentioned right from the get go, Proton and Microsoft are direct competitors in the email service arena. This naturally influences Proton’s perspective on the new Outlook update. While it’s important to consider potential bias, the raised concerns about data collection is still valid.
Proton uses end-to-end encryption to protect your emails, calendar, files stored in the cloud, passwords and login credentials, and your internet connection(new window). Our security architecture is designed to keep your data invisible even to us, as our business model gives you more privacy, not less.
ProtonMail claims their security architecture keeps user data “invisible even to us.” However, their phrasing “more privacy, not less” suggests there might be some limitations to this absolute privacy.
Source: Proton.me