While many people don't realize this tracking is happening, it's yet canada phone number data another reason to consider moving away from free email providers like Google , which rely on ad-driven revenue. If the service is free, chances are your data and online activity are the real product being sold to advertisers.
In this article, we'll find out what pixel tracking is and how it works, how to identify emails that contain these hidden trackers, and how Proton Mail is raising the bar for email privacy.
How pixel tracking works
How to tell which emails track you with pixels
Check email headers
Use browser extensions
Use Proton Mail for enhanced tracking protection
Keep your inbox more private with Proton Mail
What is pixel tracking?
Also known as a web beacon or spy pixel, pixel tracking is a method used to monitor and gather data about how users interact with digital content. It does so by embedding a small, often invisible graphic (typically 1×1 pixel) in websites, emails, or advertisements.
Tracking pixels often serve one of two purposes:
Retargeting pixels for tracking users who have visited a website but did not complete a desired action, like making a purchase. They help marketers create targeted ads and re-engage users across different platforms.
Conversion pixels for monitoring specific actions, such as purchases or sign-ups, to measure how effective marketing campaigns are.