AquaMail Forum
English - Android => General Discussion => Topic started by: ksuuk on December 29, 2016, 11:42:28 am
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Hi,
The privacy policy say's:
"No ads
Also Kostya confirmed ( Aqua Mail is now part of the MobiSystems family ) "-- There have not been any changes to the privacy policy or terms of use (which there was none, actually)"
Neither (free or paid) version of Aqua Mail has in-app ads. Many ad networks will try to identify and track the user for purposes of ad targeting. Not the case with Aqua Mail."
But after I installed first time Aqua Mail yestarday, AdGuard reports today, that blocked 859 Aqua Mail ads. Also other (4pda.ru) users are complaining same behavior.
So the Aqua Mail is full of adware? What about privacy policy?
Edit by Kostya Vasilyev, please see this for news on the "opt out of analytics" setting:
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?topic=5257.msg31039#msg31039
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With pro version have none.
Simple advice for future, use host entries instead of the one more bloatware.
Works easily :)
Edit 2:
I did remember what I did to not receive an adds. With my android tools opted out the add server broadcast reciever. Screen attached.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161229/0cd47f64582a29007836a25d456adbec.jpg)
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Again:
The privacy policy say's:
"No ads
Neither (free or paid) version of Aqua Mail has in-app ads. Many ad networks will try to identify and track the user for purposes of ad targeting. Not the case with Aqua Mail."
So free and pro should be ad free. Your also screenshot proves that Aqua Mail lies to us. And as I have unrooted device, I can't disable any recievers.
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With pro version have none.
Simple advice for future, use host entries instead of the one more bloatware.
Works easily :)
Edit 2:
I did remember what I did to not receive an adds. With my android tools opted out the add server broadcast reciever. Screen attached.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161229/0cd47f64582a29007836a25d456adbec.jpg)
I read somewhere, maybe in reddit that this service/receiver is used for licence agreement
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We did a "Christmas sale, 50% off" just recently.
This receiver was used to post status bar notifications about the sale, so that users knew about it.
It only showed twice, on the 24th and the 25th, for free version users only.
There are "thank you"'s in Google Play comments from users who took advantage of this and got the at half price.
There are no ads in the app. The "blocked ads: 859" in the first screenshot is some sort of bullshit or mistake.
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There are no ads in the app. The "blocked ads: 859" in the first screenshot is some sort of bullshit or mistake.
Strange. I'm adding similar screenshots from 4pda.ru forum. Kostya, please check it. I also compared other email programs (K9, Profimail) and AdGuard does not detect any ads in these programs. So what is then the reason?
BTW, AdGuard support said (copy from 4pda.ru forum, translated from Russian > English with Google translator):
"We block not only the ads in applications, but also online counters and analytics, which is transmitted to the application server itself. All of this is also shown in the statistics of "Deleted ads."
So what about analytics and privacy?
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is the first screen from adguard?
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Re: 4pda.ru
I haven't gone there in years, thanks but no thanks.
Re: "blocks analytics".
Since 1.7, Aqua Mail uses Flurry. Analytics is *not* ads.
It's misleading for the "privacy protection" app to treat analytics as ads.
But this privacy protection app does what it does, and any questions should be directed to its developers.
Re: analytics and privacy
Flurry developer agreement specifically prohibits apps from collecting any identifiable information.
And broadly speaking, this is a big misconception about analytics -- seriously, a specific user's name or email address is simply not interesting, not to mention that an email app, any email app, already knows those without analytics.
Analytics is for broad statistical patterns.
For example:
Gmail for Android collects information about SSL ciphers (supported by mail servers that the app connects to), presumably so they can quit supporting the less secure ones at some point.
Nobody cares for knowing if the mail server used by "John Smith" or "Charles Cribson" can only do RC4. What matters is when the %% of servers requiring RC4 drops below a certain value, the Gmail team will know they can disable it.
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I raised this topic, as either Aqua Mail before the MobiSystems time didn't send the analytics or AdGuard didn't detect it.
However, thanks for the clarification and I suggest this explanation to be added also into general privacy topic.
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I don't see any ads.
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I have many doubts when a developer maintains a completely free client, without ads, I think a client can be a very important source of addresses, personal info, direct and indirect... Money for the developer.
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Money for the developer.
That's why serious developers like to offer paid versions.
Btw: In screenshot you see my result of using Adguard (VPN, many filters enabled, DNS filtering, https filtering enabled). No blocked ads, no blocked threats.
Flurry connections I can see with other apps. I would rather using AquaMail without, but it is not a real threatening.
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Flurry connections I can see with other apps. I would rather using AquaMail without, but it is not a real threatening.
Same here. I asked for the possibility to have a single switch for opting-out from Flurry, but "nobody" replied. So, as the main point of using AM for me was not transmitting data to 3rd parties (ANY data, even usage paths. I don't care if they claim it's not harmful), I switched to K9 and stopped recommending AM. At least until things change (if ever).
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I switched to K9 and stopped recommending AM. At least until things change (if ever).
Or use latest any version made before 07.11.2016, for example 1.6.4-dev or 1.6.2-stable.
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but you miss exchange
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but you miss exchange
I don't use exchange anyway.
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I switched to K9 and stopped recommending AM. At least until things change (if ever).
Or use latest any version made before 07.11.2016, for example 1.6.4-dev or 1.6.2-stable.
No, because I'd miss security updates (if any) and bug fixes. Also, having it on my phone would mean endorsing it, which i don't want to do anymore until the analytics issue is fixed (unlikely). I'm fine with K9, really.
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I'm fine with K9, really.
The open source software common problem is, that it's UI is ugly. If You stick with K9, You may try K9-Mail version with Material Design - https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-k9-mail-material-design-source-t3415146 Right now I keep testing Aqua Mail and dropping all the unwanted traffic with AdGuard.
And BTW, if You are not using Nexus/Pixel or some rooted phone with Cyanogenmod, then sadly You are missing security updates and bug fixes anyway.
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I'm fine with K9, really.
The open source software common problem is, that it's UI is ugly. If You stick with K9, You may try K9-Mail version with Material Design - https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-k9-mail-material-design-source-t3415146 Right now I keep testing Aqua Mail and dropping all the unwanted traffic with AdGuard.
And BTW, if You are not using Nexus/Pixel or some rooted phone with Cyanogenmod, then sadly You are missing security updates and bug fixes anyway.
K9 material design is not good for me, without command in bottom line.
At the moment Aquamail is my favorite, Profimail is great in some features, like vocal reading, originale format for images or tables included in text, the layout of folders view...
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Re: I asked for the possibility to have a single switch for opting-out from Flurry, but "nobody" replied.
We are going to add a setting to disable analytics.
Perhaps the thought should have occurred to us sooner, my apologies.
And yet, I'll reiterate:
Analytics is not ads.
We do not collect any personally identifiable information -- because 1) Flurry says we can't, and 2) we don't care for that anyway, analytics is only for broad statistical patterns.
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We are going to add a setting to disable analytics.
If this is done, and it truly does 100% disable all analytics, then this, I believe, will go a very long way to restoring the reputation AM had as being among the most (if not THE most) privacy-conscious email app available.
As a pro user, I would gladly pay again to keep this philosophy as it once was.
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I'm fine with K9, really.
The open source software common problem is, that it's UI is ugly. If You stick with K9, You may try K9-Mail version with Material Design - https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-k9-mail-material-design-source-t3415146 Right now I keep testing Aqua Mail and dropping all the unwanted traffic with AdGuard.
And BTW, if You are not using Nexus/Pixel or some rooted phone with Cyanogenmod, then sadly You are missing security updates and bug fixes anyway.
I don't care if the UI is ugly. I care if the app does what it has to do and doesn't do what I don't want it to do. I prefer functionality and privacy over design.
As for the second part of your reply, I'm actually using CM (Lineage), so...
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Re: I asked for the possibility to have a single switch for opting-out from Flurry, but "nobody" replied.
We are going to add a setting to disable analytics.
Perhaps the thought should have occurred to us sooner, my apologies.
And yet, I'll reiterate:
Analytics is not ads.
We do not collect any personally identifiable information -- because 1) Flurry says we can't, and 2) we don't care for that anyway, analytics is only for broad statistical patterns.
Thank you for considering the possibility to include the opt-out switch. May I suggest you to mention it in the changelog when it's actually done? A lot of people would be happy to know that this happened (people actually DO read changelogs, trust me).
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Great news.
I hope, that MobiSystems can't and won't ignore the fact that vox populi is important:).
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Re: I asked for the possibility to have a single switch for opting-out from Flurry, but "nobody" replied.
We are going to add a setting to disable analytics.
Perhaps the thought should have occurred to us sooner, my apologies.
And yet, I'll reiterate:
Analytics is not ads.
We do not collect any personally identifiable information -- because 1) Flurry says we can't, and 2) we don't care for that anyway, analytics is only for broad statistical patterns.
Thank you reconsidering the position on this.
I'll be happy to continue recommending AM as the best email app once this change is implemented.
Sent from my SM-G935F
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Hi all,
We use analytics to track events that help us improve the UX of Aqua Mail. Your privacy is our utmost concern. For more details you can check our privacy policy here https://www.mobisystems.com/policies/
The new version should be released in a week, I am sorry for any inconvenience.
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Hi all,
We use analytics to track events that help us improve the UX of Aqua Mail. Your privacy is our utmost concern. For more details you can check our privacy policy here https://www.mobisystems.com/policies/
The new version should be released in a week, I am sorry for any inconvenience.
Thanks for the reply Nadejda.
Can you please confirm what Kostya mentioned earlier:
there will be an ability to opt-out (perhaps it should be opt-in) for those users who don't wish to participate in your analytics.
Also, could you please confirm that AM will never nag for "5-star ratings" nor those "tell your friends about AM". This currently occurs with your other app, Office Suite Pro (paid version) which I've had to rate 1-star and leave a scathing review as a result of that behaviour towards PAYING customers.
Regards.
Sent from my SM-G935F
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I honestly do not know how a software company can survive asking to pay only a few dollars for a lifetime of use, without other forms of income from the same application. I do not know what the remains of the full amount we pay in Google Play.
Therefore hope that we can get an application by those who work for the busimess, free of advertising or even lawful use of personal data, it is something quite improbable. Nobody works for the glory, some volunteers for their own pleasure and to help others, but often is converted to hard cash ...
It would be interesting to understand why pushed Kostya one hand, MobiSystems other, but I can imagine, both legitimate, but opposite in intent ... maybe.
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Maybe they should add third version, with annual fee, but clean from everything bad.
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@iceman.jkh
At the moment we are working on a new version which will have a special setting for opt-out.
I will pass your suggestions and concerns to my managers. Thank you for your feedback.
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I switch to K9 until the situation is in development...
Thanks to all
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I switch to K9 until the situation is in development...
Thanks to all
@Fcasoli
I recommend to be patient and await the next version with the announced "opt-out" option.
If I understood Kostya (+ Nadejda) correctly, this version should be available in a few days.
MobiSystems should deserve a second chance with AquaMail.
Kindest regards
Mikeone
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I switch to K9 until the situation is in development...
Thanks to all
@Fcasoli
I recommend to be patient and await the next version with the announced "opt-out" option.
If I understood Kostya (+ Nadejda) correctly, this version should be available in a few days.
MobiSystems should deserve a second chance with AquaMail.
Kindest regards
Mikeone
1000 chances to Kostya, less to Mobisystems, I do not know...
A life to grow, a day to die...
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...
1000 chances to Kostya, less to Mobisystems, I do not know...
A life to grow, a day to die...
Yes, of course. I absolutely agree 8)
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I just posted a version with a setting to turn off analytics (Flurry).
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?topic=5277.0
Feedback is welcome, if it all goes well, we will update in Google Play.
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I just posted a version with a setting to turn off analytics (Flurry).
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?topic=5277.0
Feedback is welcome, if it all goes well, we will update in Google Play.
Hi,
I lost some steps, maybe...
Im' using 1.8 version, stable, why to switch to 1.7 (oldest) beta and not 1.8 beta?
I must uninstal and install again to downgrade :-\
thanks
f
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Re: Im' using 1.8 version, stable, why to switch to 1.7 (oldest) beta and not 1.8 beta?
Because:
1.7 is the "stable", "official" in Google Play.
If this option is "approved" (by you forum users... already been tested internally), then we'll release an update to 1.7 in Play, which is a lot sooner than waiting for 1.8.
I will make and post an 1.8 build with this change shortly.
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Re: Im' using 1.8 version, stable, why to switch to 1.7 (oldest) beta and not 1.8 beta?
Because if this option is "approved" (by you forum users... already been tested internally), then we'll release an update to 1.7 in Play, which is a lot sooner than waiting for 1.8.
I will make and post an 1.8 build with this change shortly.
ok, I skip this approvation, I take 1.8
stranger, aqua updater asks me to update continuously the beta, after installation of the last one, again....
I update to 2.1, maybe the solution...
................
the same with 2.1 version of the updater... :'(
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Re: ok, I skip this approvation, I take 1.8
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?topic=5278.0
Re: updater
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?topic=2530.msg30398#msg30398
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clear, we will wait...
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OK, so we now have builds of both "1.7 stable" and "1.8 work in progress" with:
- A setting to turn off analytics (Flurry), in app settings under "Send usage statistics".
Both are here on the forum under "development builds": http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?board=9.0
I'm asking those who raised the issue, above, and are equipped with various tools to detect this (network monitor, privacy checker app, ...) to try the builds and give feedback.
When you turn the setting off, the app will know to not enable Flurry when it starts up.
And since Flurry would already be enabled at the time you make the change, the app's process (the window, but not only, all of it) restarts when the setting goes from "enabled" to "disabled" (after you've returned to the app's main screen).
This second part makes sure that Flurry really is shut down even for the already running app.
Unless there are any discovered issues, we are planning to post this change to Google Play soon.
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I'm asking those who raised the issue, above, and are equipped with various tools to detect this (network monitor, privacy checker app, ...) to try the builds and give feedback.
It was me:).
Cleared AdGuard statistics, installed dev v1.7, tested and upgraded later to dev v1.8, and so far AdGuard didn't detect anything "bad". Looks promising. Thanks!
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Re: Cleared AdGuard statistics, installed dev v1.7, tested and upgraded later to dev v1.8, and so far AdGuard didn't detect anything "bad". Looks promising. Thanks!
Thank you!
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Re: Cleared AdGuard statistics, installed dev v1.7, tested and upgraded later to dev v1.8, and so far AdGuard didn't detect anything "bad". Looks promising. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you! ☺
Sent from my SM-G935F
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OK, so we now have builds of both "1.7 stable" and "1.8 work in progress" with:
- A setting to turn off analytics (Flurry), in app settings under "Send usage statistics".
Thank you!
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Hi ksuuk,
What is the app shown in your screenshot on your original post that is giving all these details?
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=5257.0;attach=5214;image
I could not find it on GooglePlay...
Thanks
Marek
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What is the app shown in your screenshot on your original post that is giving all these details?
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=5257.0;attach=5214;image
I could not find it on GooglePlay...
It's AdGuard - https://adguard.com/en/adguard-android/overview.html
As it blocks ads, Google won't allow it into GooglePlay:).
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Are you going to let us opt out of your latest spyware and ads too? So shady....
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NetGuard Firewall also blocks adds and is in the store
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What is the app shown in your screenshot on your original post that is giving all these details?
http://www.aqua-mail.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=5257.0;attach=5214;image
I could not find it on GooglePlay...
It's AdGuard - https://adguard.com/en/adguard-android/overview.html
As it blocks ads, Google won't allow it into GooglePlay:).
Thanks, perhaps I will give them the money I was going to give AM. I mean I could give Mobisystems my money to get rid of ads that they added, but I think a better option would be just to pay for this and block all the crap Mobisystems tries to do. Like others have said, whats to stop Mobisystems from adding ads to the paid version? Their word? HA!
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is it possible to use adguard (http proxy, auto, no dns) with aquamail and an exchange account?
my corporate exchange account is blocked from connecting to...
does it work for anyone?
edit: ok, it worked after adding my company's server in https filtering whitelist
so I got 0 ads in adguard for aquamail but I got adaway too,
which from what I've seen works before adguard,
meaning I don't know if any analytics/flurry etc are blocked by adaway :D
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Still no statement from Mobisystems or Kostya. I'd keep Aquamail except for this. Their silence means and shows how much they really don't care about anyone but their bottom line. I understand business and the need to make money but Aquamail was never like this in the past...until Mobisystems purchased them. What a shame.
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What is the app shown in your screenshot on your original post that is giving all these details?
I could not find it on GooglePlay...
As it blocks ads, Google won't allow it into GooglePlay:).
I tried to find it in Google play but all in vain. Never knew that google hasn't allowed it. Anyways, it's good to find the source here because I hate ads :/
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Hi I don't see any ads.????
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Hi I don't see any ads.????
This thread already started 20 months ago. In the meantime, it has changed slightly, which makes advertising in the free version less noticeable :)