Email Privacy
Email Aliasing
Using an email alias protects you against public exposure of your email address in the event of a data leak. The layer of separation between you and the company also give you some control of communication.
- Aliases can be turned on and off individually when you need them, preventing websites from emailing you randomly. Aliases are permanent and can be turned on again if you need to receive something like a password reset.
- Replies are sent from the alias address, shielding your real email address.
- Temporary email services typically have public mailboxes which can be accessed by anyone who knows the address, while aliases are private to you.
Aliasing services:
Plus Aliasing: You can create an email alias in most mail providers. For example, if your email is [email protected] you can tell Etsy your email address is [email protected]. Some services may filter out what's after the + but occasionally it's helpful. If I'm wondering why I'm receiving an email from a mystery business I can use this to find out what service gave them my email.
Privacy-focused Email services
- Proton is an email service with a focus on privacy, encryption, security, and ease of use. They have been in operation since 2013. Proton AG is based in Genève, Switzerland. The Proton Mail Free plan comes with 500MB of Mail storage, which you can increase up to 1GB for free.
- Mailbox.org is an email service with a focus on being secure, ad-free, and privately powered by 100% eco-friendly energy. They have been in operation since 2014. Mailbox.org is based in Berlin, Germany. Accounts start with up to 2GB storage, which can be upgraded as needed.
- Tuta (formerly Tutanota) is an email service with a focus on security and privacy through the use of encryption. Tuta has been in operation since 2011 and is based in Hanover, Germany. Free accounts start with 1GB of storage.
- Hushmail - encrypted email
Temporary Email
Temporary email addresses have their utility. However, with many of these services knowing the temporary address gives you access.