An HSBC customer received a letter claiming their emails were undeliverable, prompting an investigation. The customer's email address was correct, yet the bank insisted on an update. The issue stemmed from HSBC's reliance on tracking pixels to monitor email opens. This reveals a concerning approach to email delivery verification and customer privacy.

HSBC uses tracking pixels, small, often invisible, images embedded in emails to monitor when a recipient opens them. The bank appears to have assumed that failure to track opens meant non-delivery. However, tracking pixels are often blocked by privacy-conscious users, leading to false assumptions about email receipt.

HSBC's use of unencrypted `http://` for tracking pixels poses a significant security risk, potentially exposing user activity on public Wi-Fi. The article suggests HSBC should stop relying on tracking pixels for delivery confirmation and instead use more reliable methods like a click-through verification link. This is a basic privacy and security concern.

This incident highlights a broader trend of surveillance capitalism and its impact on how companies interact with customers. Banks must prioritize user privacy and adopt secure practices. The next step is for HSBC to address these issues and improve their email practices, ensuring customer data is handled responsibly and securely.