What’s wrong with informed delivery?
Informed Delivery is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows subscribers to receive digital copies of their mail before it is delivered. While the intention behind this service is to provide convenience and efficiency, there are several flaws and drawbacks that have raised concerns among users and experts alike.
Firstly, one of the primary issues with Informed Delivery is the lack of security. By providing digital copies of their mail, subscribers are exposing sensitive information to potential cyber threats. With the rise of identity theft and fraud, the digital copies of mail can be easily accessed and misused by malicious individuals. This raises questions about the USPS’s ability to protect the privacy and security of its customers.
Secondly, the service is not available to everyone. While Informed Delivery is offered to all USPS customers, there are certain limitations that prevent widespread adoption. For instance, only residential customers can subscribe to the service, which means that businesses and other organizations are excluded. This creates an uneven playing field and raises concerns about the effectiveness of the service in meeting the diverse needs of its customer base.
Moreover, the digital copies of mail provided through Informed Delivery are not always accurate or reliable. There have been instances where the service failed to provide timely notifications or delivered incorrect information about the mail being delivered. This can be frustrating for users who rely on the service to manage their mail efficiently. Additionally, the quality of the digital copies can be poor, making it difficult to read and decipher important information.
Another significant drawback of Informed Delivery is the potential for increased spam and unsolicited mail. With the digital copies of mail readily available, scammers and spammers can exploit the system to send fraudulent or unwanted advertisements to unsuspecting subscribers. This not only poses a threat to individual privacy but also undermines the credibility of the service itself.
Furthermore, the reliance on Informed Delivery may lead to a decrease in the physical handling of mail. As more people opt for digital copies, there is a risk that the USPS may reduce its physical mail services, which could have a negative impact on the overall efficiency and reliability of the postal system.
In conclusion, while Informed Delivery aims to enhance the convenience and efficiency of mail delivery, it is fraught with several significant issues. The lack of security, limited availability, unreliable digital copies, potential for increased spam, and the risk of reducing physical mail services are all concerns that need to be addressed. Until these issues are resolved, it is difficult to fully endorse Informed Delivery as a viable solution for mail management in the digital age.
