Proton Mail (also written as ProtonMail) is an end-to-end encrypted email service founded in 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland.Proton Mail uses client-side encryption to protect email content and user data before they are sent to Proton Mail servers, unlike other common email providers such as Gmail and Outlook.com.The service can be accessed through a webmail client, the Tor network, or dedicated iOS and Android apps.
Proton Mail is run by Proton AG (formerly Proton Technologies), which is based in the Canton of Geneva.The company also operates Proton VPN, Proton Drive and Proton Calendar. Proton Mail received initial funding through a crowdfunding campaign. Although the default account setup is free, the service is sustained by optional paid services. Initially invitation-only, Proton Mail opened up to the public in March 2016. In 2017, Proton Mail had over 2 million users, growing to almost 70 million by 2022.
In September 2020, Proton Mail helped found the Coalition for App Fairness, which aims to gain better conditions for the inclusion of their apps in app stores. Proton also founded the Coalition for Competitive Digital Markets, which brings together 50+ European tech companies supporting open, interoperable and competitive digital markets. In May 2022, Proton AG updated the visuals, user interface, and logos of all its products, including Proton Mail, to achieve a consistent design throughout its software. Proton Mail's subscription now includes access to all Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive.
