DidTheyReadIt.com Testing Email Privacy Limits

Yet another email innovation will be launched on Monday when DidTheyReadIt, an email monitoring system, is released for public use.

Like MessageTag, an existing program that tracks whether or not emails are opened, DidTheyReadIt offers the same benefit. However, it surpasses its predecessor by offering the following detailed information: when exactly your mail was opened, how long your mail remained open, and where, geographically, your email was viewed.

Users of the program have several pricing options to choose from; these range from Free (if you only apply the service to no more than five messages a month) to $50 annually for 750 messages per month.

After registration, subscribers simply add “.didtheyreadit.com” to the end of the recipient’s address when composing a message. There is even optional downloadable software that can add tracking codes to outgoing emails.

Considering that the email recipients will never realize that their actions have been monitored, privacy and security concerns have been voiced.

“It violates our electronic space in a way that’s as uncomfortable as someone violating our physical space,” stated Mitchel Kertzman of tech firm, Hummer Winblad, to USA Today.

However, Rampell Software CEO Alex Rampell also reported to USA Today that “[DidTheyReadIt] can be used inappropriately, but our intentions our good.” DidTheyReadIt service comes from Rampell, a software company based in Cambridge, MA.

And it is true. While there are certainly some negative aspects associated with the service, there are corresponding positives. Job hunters can determine whether their resumes are read, salespeople can track pitches, etc.

DidTheyReadIt is sure to attract both fans and enemies, as well as curious email users.

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