1. Google tracks links because the information is valuable. It can be used to build a better profile of you, and understand what people are reading online. 2.

1. Google tracks links because the information is valuable. It can be used to build a better profile of you, and understand what people are reading online. 2. You can use a third party app, switch from GMail, or if it's the URL is in plain text, you can copy and paste. 3. If you switch to another app, you might be OK. I'd suggest finding either something opensource or something that you pay for. Remember, if you're not paying with money, then you're paying with something else (privacy).