Let's talk about something that has been stirring up privacy debates among tech professionals the past few years: Microsoft and similar large service providers routing all of your internet traffic, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), through their own servers. Companies like Microsoft, Google, Yahoo!, and others wield immense control over your sensitive information.They even insist that their approach to how they handle your data makes their services better. But let’s be honest, couldn’t they achieve the same goals without collecting so much data?
Take, for example, Microsoft’s latest iteration of Outlook. It is meant to unify the user experience across Windows, macOS, and the web. The “New Outlook” aims to consolidate the code base, giving users a consistent feel regardless of platform. But instead of just improving familiarity, Microsoft has stripped away features users have come to rely on. The list of missing features goes on, and while some might return "someday," Microsoft hasn't committed to a timeline. The biggest shocker? No support for on-premises Exchange. Yep, Microsoft is phasing out Exchange 2016 and 2019 by 2025, pushing everyone into subscription models like Microsoft 365 or their upcoming Exchange Server Subscription Edition.
Why does this matter? Because it’s another step in Big Tech’s transformation into full-blown services companies. They’re shifting focus towards turning their products into a “walled gardens” where all data flows through their servers. For example, whether it's emails, web traffic, or link clicks in products like Teams and Outlook, everything is routed through Microsoft. This isn’t just about convenience or better service; it’s about control and monetization.
The future of data privacy lies in decentralization and user control. As tech giants tighten their grip on our data, it's essential to explore tools and platforms that prioritize transparency, security, and user sovereignty. Because at the end of the day, your data should be your data, not just another asset for corporate giants to exploit.
Fortunately, alternatives exist. SmarterMail, for example, is working towards helping businesses create their own cloud-based communications ecosystems without the privacy concerns and subscription fees. With plans to introduce a dedicated marketplace environment featuring live chat, online meetings, file storage, and document collaboration, businesses can create a Microsoft 365 like infrastructure while retaining full ownership of their data.
Rethinking Data Privacy
So what’s the answer? Do we throw out big tech like Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo! entirely? Not exactly. Instead, we need to reevaluate how we engage with these platforms and push for more transparency and control over our own personal data. To really understand what's at stake, we can examine some of the main concerns people have with this approach and consider potential solutions or counters that could address them.
- Centralized power could lead to abuse. With all that data flowing through Microsoft's servers, Microsoft gains deep insight into users' activities. It feels dodgy whether it's intentional misuse like monetizing data or having that much power over private information. Instead of allowing Big Tech to act as the gatekeepers of all internet activity, alternative systems need to be developed that prioritize user privacy and control. For example: Self Hosting Your Email.
- More Transparency. Sure, companies claim they anonymize data, and provide vague guidelines on how your data is protected and used, but how many of us really know what is being collected or why? Without clear communication it's hard to trust that our data isn’t being used in ways we couldn’t, much less WOULD, agree to. Companies need to provide real insights into what data they’re collecting and how it’s being used and who has access to it.
- Stronger Consumer Advocacy. Laws like the GDPR in the EU and the California Consumer Privacy Act are the steps in the right direction. However, stronger, globally enforced regulations are necessary to keep tech giants in check.
Taking Back Control
These necessary changes aren’t just about keeping Microsoft or Google from “spying” on us, or making money off of the emails you send to your friends and family, the search terms you use, and more. It’s about flipping the script so that people, not big corporations, have control over their own data. By advocating for digital privacy, we stand to gain:
Stronger Data Security.
Less centralized data means fewer large scale breaches. If there’s less to steal, hackers have less incentive to attack, making systems more secure and less attractive to cyber-criminals.
More Privacy.
Without companies tracking every click and keystroke, users can browse, work and communicate online with greater piece of mind. This means having build-in security options such as a build-in VPN on some preferred browsers or email clients.
A Better Market.
When monopolies aren’t hoarding all the data, smaller businesses have a chance to innovate and offer new, privacy focused solutions for any business or anyone in general that is looking for better market options.
Consumer Choices.
Right now, opting out of Big Tech’s ecosystem is nearly impossible. But with increased competition and better regulations, users could actually chose platforms that align with their values.
The SmarterMail Alternative
If you’re looking for a way to escape big tech’s grip without sacrificing functionality, SmarterMail is the solution. Unlike Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, SmarterMail offers a fully featured email, chat, and collaboration platform that gives you complete control over your data without tracking or data mining.
SmarterMail can be deployed on the cloud or on premises, depending on your needs. This means businesses and individuals can chose how and where their data is stored, reducing reliance on third party infrastructure while enhancing security. Whether you want a self-hosted email solution for maximum privacy or a cloud hosted option for convenience without compromise, SmarterMail provides the flexibility you need. With SmarterMail, you’re not just getting an email platform, you’re taking back control of your data. No ads, no unnecessary data collection, just a reliable, secure communication tool that puts privacy first.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to one simple question: do we want convenience at the cost of privacy or can we demand a better balance? The good news is that we don’t have to settle for the status quo. SmarterMail offers a real alternative, giving you complete digital privacy without sacrificing functionality. What do you think? Is big tech like Microsoft doing enough to protect our data or are we letting them have too much power?