More and more Internet users are complaining that their Gmail interface, both on desktop and on the application, is invaded by advertisements.
Until then, Google placed ads at the top of the filters ” Specials ” And ” Social “, but it seems that the Mountain View firm has now decided to take a more aggressive approach in its messaging.
Ads swarm on some users’ Gmail interface
Several screenshots posted on Twitter by Gmail users show promotional messages mixed with real emails on the desktop version of the service. This approach makes it even more difficult to distinguish between e-mail messages and advertisements, even if promotions are accompanied by the small icon dedicated to them.
Same story on the mobile application, in which users have noticed, for a few weeks, advertisements with large images at the top of their inbox.
Additionally, some users have observed that Google now displays ads in the Updates autofilter, designed to highlight emails related to orders, billing statements, etc.
Google remains very evasive
While Google’s business model is based on advertising and allows it to offer many free services, the increase in advertisements in the Gmail interface seems particularly disturbing to those concerned.
In a press release, the Mountain View firm was very evasive about this novelty. “ We’re always experimenting with new formats and looking for ways to help people discover and connect with new businesses. The “Promotions” tab displays promotional emails from companies that users subscribe to, as well as offers and deals from companies that users might like. Last year we rolled out instream ads in the Promotions tab on mobile phones and last month we extended them to desktop “.
However, the company insisted that it never sells or uses Gmail data for advertising purposes. It remains to be seen whether the increase in in-mail ads will be rolled out on a larger scale; it is also likely that the firm will backtrack, given the very negative reactions to its approach.
Sources: 9to5Google, The Verge
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