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> Whoever is logged into Gmail tells Google who is using an IP address. Google already has most people's IP address through search. Google is just providing fr

> Whoever is logged into Gmail tells Google who is using an IP address. Google already has most people's IP address through search. Google is just providing free email because they want control, and I am willing to bet that it would be very hard to make profit, both direct or indirect, through gmail.

sokoloff 4y ago
Without the Google login, Google has a bunch of 32-bit numbers from people’s search activity. With gmail, they now know a lot more about what’s behind those 32-bit numbers.
- 2OEH8eoCRo0 4y ago
  How many billions does Google pay Apple to be the default search? How about email? Search > email, though I think they're both pillars.
  - adastra22 4y ago
    They don’t have to pay anyone to use Gmail. People prefer gmail and seek it out themselves.
    - hericium 4y ago
      They may be paying to be the first option in "choose your email provider" lists. Although Apple's Mail.app (both iOS and macOS) offers their own and Microsoft's services before Google's. For Google, the easiest way to gain new GMail users is to not deliver mail coming to existing users from 3rd party services or to throw it into trash/spam folders for no reason.
      - petre 4y ago
        That option should be standard unless Apple wants an DOJ/EU antitrust case against them.
- jefftk 4y ago
  It sounds like you're describing using emails to target/personalize ads, which they don't do?
  - Raidion 4y ago
    The data from Gmail isn't what's valuable to Google, it's the fact that targeted ads are more profitable and Google can target you with ads accurately because you logged in and identified yourself to access Gmail.
  - sokoloff 4y ago
    I’m describing using telemetry correlating which IP addresses/devices have used specific gmail accounts, nothing to do with the contents of those emails. The gmail account just as a correlation ID has a ton of value in search.
- elzbardico 4y ago
  Let's remember that Gmail opened the door for Google to become the default identity provider for many people. A lot of consumer and behavioral data can be inferred from every service account tied via OAuth to google. Were you searching for homes to buy? You'll probably use your google account. Bought a couple of home automation devices, cameras, and doorbells? Chances are you are using a google login. Use Waze in your car? Now google knows what car you drive and the places where you go and can tie it nicely with all other pieces of data because you are using your google account. This is invaluable for them. From your usage of a google account, they can infer your family arrangements, probably what your job is, your income and wealth level, tastes and habits.

sokoloff 4y ago

Without the Google login, Google has a bunch of 32-bit numbers from people’s search activity. With gmail, they now know a lot more about what’s behind those 32-bit numbers.

2OEH8eoCRo0 4y ago
How many billions does Google pay Apple to be the default search? How about email? Search > email, though I think they're both pillars.
- adastra22 4y ago
  They don’t have to pay anyone to use Gmail. People prefer gmail and seek it out themselves.
  - hericium 4y ago
    They may be paying to be the first option in "choose your email provider" lists. Although Apple's Mail.app (both iOS and macOS) offers their own and Microsoft's services before Google's. For Google, the easiest way to gain new GMail users is to not deliver mail coming to existing users from 3rd party services or to throw it into trash/spam folders for no reason.
    - petre 4y ago
      That option should be standard unless Apple wants an DOJ/EU antitrust case against them.
jefftk 4y ago
It sounds like you're describing using emails to target/personalize ads, which they don't do?
- Raidion 4y ago
  The data from Gmail isn't what's valuable to Google, it's the fact that targeted ads are more profitable and Google can target you with ads accurately because you logged in and identified yourself to access Gmail.
- sokoloff 4y ago
  I’m describing using telemetry correlating which IP addresses/devices have used specific gmail accounts, nothing to do with the contents of those emails. The gmail account just as a correlation ID has a ton of value in search.
elzbardico 4y ago
Let's remember that Gmail opened the door for Google to become the default identity provider for many people. A lot of consumer and behavioral data can be inferred from every service account tied via OAuth to google. Were you searching for homes to buy? You'll probably use your google account. Bought a couple of home automation devices, cameras, and doorbells? Chances are you are using a google login. Use Waze in your car? Now google knows what car you drive and the places where you go and can tie it nicely with all other pieces of data because you are using your google account. This is invaluable for them. From your usage of a google account, they can infer your family arrangements, probably what your job is, your income and wealth level, tastes and habits.