Technologies

Think Black Friday Spam Was Out of Control? You Have No Idea

Big retail names such as CB2, Anthropologie and Victoria’s Secret are among the worst offenders.

During the holidays, you expect a surge of spam emails, especially if you’re shopping online. But it may be even worse than you suspected.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

On Wednesday, Proton, an encrypted email service, released its spam watch report, which audited marketing emails sent over 28 days, including the Black Friday weekend. The report showed that 80% of retailers are embedding hidden trackers into their marketing emails that tell them whether you open the email, the device you’re using to view it, and if you click on any of the links. If you open up one of these emails, you’re setting yourself up for more spam.

The report raises questions about consumer privacy and how retailers are using our data.

Hunting for embedded tracking links

Proton created an inbox specifically to capture marketing emails between Nov 4 and Dec 1. Before the email is displayed, it goes through Proton Mail’s servers, which scan the message code against a database known for detecting domains and pixel signatures. Proton also used its own enhanced tracking protection feature to block retailers from collecting extra information. It examined 50 of the largest retailers that have both online and brick-and-mortar locations, analyzing the timestamp, sender, subject line, and whether such an email carried an embedded tracking link or pixel.

Proton researchers combined the data with loyalty-program membership counts, each retailer’s US market share, and the number of emails sent by similar retailers. Proton broke down these companies into four groups. The retailers they dubbed «worst of the worst» are those that email frequently and include the most tracking links. Some stores actually managed not to bombard their customers with emails containing trackers, and Proton labeled them the «most respectful» senders.

Specific stores, and where they ranked

The worst of the worst list included CB2, Anthropologie, Victoria’s Secret, VS Pink, and Crate and Barrel.

«These brands represent the highest daily frequency across the full study window — the ones constantly vying for attention,» the study noted.

But Nike, Bass Pro Shops, H&M, New Balance and Burlington scored in the most respectful group, sending no emails with trackers during the time Proton monitored the email.

«The Spam Watch findings confirm a harsh reality: the inbox has become a high‑volume, high‑noise channel where brands battle for attention while silently gathering data on every open,» said Anant Vijay Singh, Head of Product at Proton Mail, in a statement. «This is not accidental–it is an engineered assault on your attention and your privacy.»

Do this to reduce spam emails

Maintaining your private data from third parties is a genuine concern for many people. This latest report further supports fears consumers have about how corporations are using their personal data.

In some cases, to protect yourself, you can opt for data removal services such as Operty.

You can reduce spam marketing emails by using email protection services similar to DuckDuckGo or — yes, the company that ran the study — Proton.

iPhone users who pay for iCloud Plus have access to a Hide My Email feature, which can also help minimize spam.

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im

All of these services work on the same principle — fast, borderless internet without roaming stress.

Why It Matters Most in Summer

During the holiday season, roaming networks get overloaded, and prices for mobile data abroad often become an unpleasant surprise for travelers.

eSIM solves this problem:

* transparent, fixed pricing
* activation in 1–2 minutes
* stable internet while traveling
* no physical SIM cards required

Final Thoughts

Travel should be about freedom — not hunting for Wi-Fi or worrying about phone bills.

eSIM is quickly becoming the new global standard for mobile connectivity: simple, fast, and borderless.

Verum E-SIM and its partner services are part of this shift, making global connectivity accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Technologies

Episode 2 of the VERUM Mini-Series is Now Out

The story continues. Verum Messenger has released the second episode of its AI mini-series, which follows the conflict between the powerful Omega corporation, aiming to control digital communications, and a team of heroes who have chosen a different path and free communication.

The mini-series not only develops an engaging storyline but also introduces viewers to the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, showcasing technologies and tools that may redefine the future of modern communication.

The project consists of 7 episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 2 is now available. Stay tuned and don’t miss what comes next.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram