[hnriot]

"they" aren't reading email and what does it even mean "before I open it" - they host it!!! It's software that "reads" gmail. If you don't want google reading your email, then simply host it elsewhere. Nobody is forcing you to use gmail. It's patently obvious that they use gmail and the usage of their other free services to garner more information to maximize their revenue. Don't like it, don't use it. It's a simple as that.

It frustrates me no end to read stupid comments like yours. Of course they use what you freely give them to their advantage. There are plenty of email hosting options, viable search alternatives, viable mapping alternatives etc etc. Google don't have a monopoly on anything. They make you a simple trade; compelling products in return for profiling you, what you say, where you go and what your search intents might be.

I know perfectly well where google's profits come from. Who reading this site doesn't?

[lxle]

I don't use it. I was just pointing out that their 'vast resources' are coming from the sale of your info, nothing more. Isn't that the point of these posts? Your comparing one search engine that is 'trying' to keep your searches private yet complaining they don't have the resources, when most of those resources for Google are coming from not keeping your searches private. I'm not sure where the complaint and or comparison is taking place. I freely give DDG my search data and they aren't using it to their advantage in the same manner google is, so whats your point again about ddg not being as good? I don't get your argument at all.

[lxle]

Its not just about tracking and collecting information on your habits that makes their searches relevant to you? You really think so? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzZzf6PoyC4