Methods to Evade Email Tracking

When discussing email tracking and privacy, "evading" typically refers to strategies or techniques used to avoid being tracked. This can be relevant for individuals who value their privacy and do not want their email interactions to be monitored. Here are some common methods to evade email tracking:

Methods to Evade Email Tracking
Disable Image Loading

Many email trackers use invisible tracking pixels, which are small images embedded in the email. By disabling image loading in your email client, you can prevent these pixels from being loaded and thus block the tracking attempt.
How to Do It: Most email clients (like Gmail, Outlook) have settings to disable automatic image loading.
Use Plain Text Emails

Since tracking pixels are part of HTML emails, viewing emails in plain text format can help evade tracking.
How to Do It: Configure your email client to display emails in plain text instead of HTML.
Email Privacy Extensions

There are browser extensions and plugins designed to block email trackers.
Examples:
PixelBlock: A Chrome extension that blocks tracking attempts in Gmail.
Ugly Email: Another Chrome extension that identifies and blocks email trackers.
Read Emails Offline

Download your emails and read them while your device is disconnected from the internet. This prevents any tracking pixels or links from reporting back to the sender.
How to Do It: Download emails using your email client, then disconnect from the internet before opening them.
Use Email Services Focused on Privacy

Some email services are designed with privacy in mind and have built-in features to block tracking attempts.
Examples: ProtonMail, Tutanota.
Browser and Email Client Privacy Settings

Adjust settings in your web browser and email client to enhance privacy.
How to Do It: Enable privacy and security settings that block tracking scripts and images.
Examples and Instructions
Disabling Image Loading in Gmail
Go to Gmail settings by clicking the gear icon and selecting "See all settings."
Under the "General" tab, scroll down to "Images."
Select "Ask before displaying external images."
Save changes.
Using PixelBlock Extension (Chrome)
Go to the Chrome Web Store.
Search for "PixelBlock" and click "Add to Chrome."
Once installed, it will automatically block trackers in your Gmail.
Using ProtonMail
Sign up for an account at ProtonMail.
ProtonMail automatically blocks tracking pixels and provides encrypted email services.
Summary
Evading email tracking involves preventing the loading of tracking pixels and avoiding interaction with tracked links. Techniques include disabling image loading, using plain text emails, employing privacy-focused extensions, reading emails offline, and using secure email services. These methods help maintain your privacy and prevent senders from tracking your email activities.