Email Tracking Pixels Explained
What are tracking pixels?
Tracking pixels are tiny, usually invisible images embedded in emails. When the email is opened, the image is downloaded from a server, allowing the sender to determine, for example, whether and when the email was opened and, in some cases, to collect technical information such as the device type or IP address.
How it Works?
1
Email is sent:
The sender includes a tiny, invisible image (the tracking pixel) in the email.
2
Email is opened
When you open the email, your email app loads the content – including the tracking pixel.
3
Pixel is downloaded
Your email app makes a request to the sender’s (or a third party’s) server to download the image.
The server delivers the pixel.
4
Information is recorded
The server records that the email was opened and may collect other information about your device and activity.
What does this mean?
- The sender can see if and when you opened the email.
- They may learn your approximate location (from your IP address).
- They can see what device and email app you use.
- They may track your clicks and engagement.
For more information see the UK ICO webpage
https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guidance-on-direct-marketing-using-electronic-mail/what-else-do-we-need-to-consider/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and these [link: https://privacyinternational.org/guide-step/5539/guide-blocking-email-tracking-pixels] guides [link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/block-or-unblock-automatic-picture-downloads-in-classic-outlook-email-messages] on how to block email tracking pixels.
