Many of our users have long relied on Outlook as their email client, but recent changes to how data is managed raise important privacy and control concerns. While the interface may look familiar, Microsoft has fundamentally changed how the new Outlook works behind the scenes — including how your emails are stored and accessed. In this article, we look at what’s changed and why you might want to consider other options.
Thinking about stepping away from Big Tech but not sure where to turn? You’re not alone. More and more people are questioning how their data is used — and tired of being tracked, targeted, and profiled for profit. Some are choosing European services protected by GDPR, while others turn to open source tools that put transparency first. We’ve put together a list of solid alternatives for everything from email to maps.
Privacy concerns in the online world aren’t new. We already know that big tech collects our personal data through “free” services, that data brokers profit off that data, that AI is scraping our social media for added profiling, and that governments utilize various surveillance technologies. But with the rapidly changing global landscape of threats to freedom of expression and personal liberties, there is a new level of concern for the need for privacy. Here, we point to some recent developments that may have an impact on privacy protections and personal data. Below you will also find a list of safe and private alternative services.
At Runbox, we believe that email should be sustainable, secure, and private. In a world where many major email providers are part of sprawling ecosystems that track your every move and monetize your personal data, we’ve taken a different approach. We provide a service that focuses solely on one thing: your email. No distractions, no ads, and absolutely no data mining. Just email.
As an independent email provider based in Norway, we are proud to offer a service that places your privacy and security first. With over two decades of experience, we’ve built Runbox with a simple mission in mind: to provide a reliable, privacy-respecting email service that empowers you to communicate freely and securely. You know where your data is stored (and it’s not floating around in the cloud).
Introduced by the European Union (EU) in May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a landmark piece of legislation that empowers individuals with unprecedented control over their personal information. This law has set a new global standard for data privacy, ensuring that companies are transparent about how they collect, use, and share your data. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key aspects of GDPR and explain why it’s important for Runbox and our customers.
To all of our customers – thank you. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or have just joined the Runbox community, we’re truly honored that you have chosen us. It is your trust and loyalty that make our work possible.
Our personal information is a valuable commodity, and privacy policies have become an essential part of the online landscape. But for most users, privacy policies are a maze of legal jargon, dense paragraphs, and complex terms. These policies often obscure how our data is being used. Instead of clarifying the truth, they make it hard for consumers to fully understand what they’re agreeing to.
In today’s digital world, email phishing scams are one of the most common and dangerous threats to individuals and businesses. These deceptive emails attempt to trick recipients into revealing personal information, clicking on malicious links, or downloading harmful attachments. Phishing attacks can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and even security breaches for organizations. For Runbox users, these scams can specifically target your email account and compromise your sensitive data. But by staying vigilant and following a few key practices, you can protect yourself from these scams.
At Runbox, we believe in a world where our digital communications can have a positive impact on the environment. Our mission is to reduce energy consumption and minimize our ecological footprint, both as an organization and as individuals. We believe that every action, including sending an email, should contribute to a sustainable future. By choosing Runbox, you’re not just using a secure email service – you’re making a conscious choice to support sustainable practices and contribute to the protection of the planet.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a report exposing how Big Tech companies are overstepping privacy boundaries in their quest for user data. The report reveals the massive amount of personal information these companies collect, store, and profit from. Often, this is done without clear user consent or transparency. As concerns over data privacy grow, the report highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation and more responsible data practices.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key findings of the FTC’s report and discuss how this overreach affects your privacy, along with what actions you can take to protect your data.
The FTC’s report, titled “A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services” offers an in-depth look at how major technology companies, including Facebook (Meta), Google, Amazon, and others, are handling your personal data. Below are some of the major findings:
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