Since Google is an arm of the federal government’s surveillance, capturing all data about everyone that uses it, and profiting from information about them, few users of gmail, google search, or any google products should assume having any assurance of privacy.

Kevin Marlowe explains that “In 2017, we learned that Google had been routinely scanning personal emails to use as raw data for targeted advertising. That exposure led to an apology, and Google supposedly changed their behavior.” But the company didn’t. He adds:

“As the WSJ explains, third-party developers which use Gmail have been given the ability to access the email accounts of Gmail members, as long as they bury their activities in T&Cs.

Google has been complicit in all of this, allowing users to be duped, and exercising zero oversight over rogue app developers. This situation has enabled developers of potentially useful apps to partner with email marketers to monetize information held in private emails.

And that’s just the material that’s come to light. Usually, in cases like this, there’s more below the surface.”

Here are five alternatives to gmail, the free email service offered by Google, suggested by VNPRO:

1. Protonmail.com is designed to protect user privacy through a sophisticated encryption system. Security specialists consider it to be the gold standard among current email providers. Downside: if you forget your password you lose your email.
2. Fastmail.com provides email using a virus scanner, efficient phishing and spam filters, and allows users to create up to 100 custom filters. Downside: only 10 MB of storage.
3. Hushmail.com also offers a way to send emails without fear of surveillance. Security features include a virus checker, a spam filter and black/white lists.
4. Zohomail.eu is one of the best alternatives to Gmail for small businesses. The company provides group accounts for up to 25 members free of charge.
5. Tutanota.com encrypts everything sent in an email and has 1G of storage. It encrypts every letter typed, from the first to the last byte of attachments. It even allow encryption of email from correspondents if required.