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Privacy controls

mail limits automatic contact with resources embedded in received messages and adds warnings around links and attachments. These controls reduce accidental tracking and unsafe file handling, but they do not make untrusted content inherently safe.

Remote content

Mailbox messages support three privacy modes: Only text ignores the HTML body, Style included keeps email formatting while blocking images and other external resources, and Full featured loads the styled HTML and its images. Style included is the default. In that mode, the reader can allow content for one message, and a sender can be added to the trusted list so future messages from that exact address load remote resources automatically.

Shared links support Only text and Style included. Shared messages never automatically load remote images or other external resources.

Loading remote content reveals at least the browser's network address and request metadata to the remote host. Leave blocking enabled unless the sender and content are trusted.

  • HTTP, HTTPS, mailto, and telephone links are opened through a destination warning that shows the resolved host or protocol.
  • Unsafe URL protocols are rejected.
  • Attachment warnings identify executable or script-like extensions, macro-enabled Office files, archives, double extensions, hidden control characters, MIME mismatches, and unusual high-risk files.
  • Image, PDF, and video previews stay in the application, but opening or downloading an attachment still gives the browser access to untrusted bytes.

Configuration

ItemSetting nameEnvironment variableRequirement
Mailbox message displaySettings > Privacy > Mailbox message displayNoneOptional; Style included by default.
Shared message displaySettings > Privacy > Shared message displayNoneOptional; Style included by default.
Sender exceptionsSettings > Privacy > Trusted remote content sendersNoneOptional; enter one exact email address per line.
Link destination warningNoneNoneAlways enabled; no setting is required.
Attachment safety warningsNoneNoneAlways enabled; no setting is required.

See Read tracking for tracking added to outgoing mail and Mail authentication for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC indicators.