Proton mail wikipedia
ProtonMail is a free, open-source, and end-to-end encrypted email service that was launched in 2014. It is based in Switzerland and is designed to provide a secure and private alternative to traditional email services.
Here is a summary of ProtonMail's features and history, based on its Wikipedia page:
History
ProtonMail was founded by Andy Yen, a physicist and entrepreneur, and his team in 2014. The company was initially funded through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, which raised over $1 million. ProtonMail's mission is to provide a secure and private email service that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.
Features
ProtonMail offers a range of features that are designed to provide a secure and private email experience. These include:
- End-to-end encryption: ProtonMail uses PGP encryption to encrypt emails, which means that only the sender and recipient can read the contents of the email.
- Zero-access encryption: ProtonMail's servers do not have access to the encryption keys, which means that even the company itself cannot read the contents of emails.
- Secure servers: ProtonMail's servers are located in Switzerland, which has strong data protection laws and is not subject to US or EU data retention laws.
- Two-factor authentication: ProtonMail offers two-factor authentication to provide an additional layer of security for users.
- Secure login: ProtonMail's login process is designed to be secure, with users required to enter a password and a code sent to their phone or email address.
Security
ProtonMail's security features are designed to protect users' emails and data from being intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties. The company uses a range of security measures, including:
- Encryption: ProtonMail uses PGP encryption to encrypt emails, which makes it difficult for unauthorized parties to read the contents of emails.
- Secure servers: ProtonMail's servers are located in Switzerland, which has strong data protection laws and is not subject to US or EU data retention laws.
- Secure login: ProtonMail's login process is designed to be secure, with users required to enter a password and a code sent to their phone or email address.
Impact
ProtonMail has had a significant impact on the email industry, providing a secure and private alternative to traditional email services. The company has also been involved in several high-profile cases, including:
- Edward Snowden: ProtonMail was used by Edward Snowden to communicate with journalists and whistleblowers.
- Julian Assange: ProtonMail was used by Julian Assange to communicate with his legal team and supporters.
- Whistleblowers: ProtonMail has been used by whistleblowers to communicate with journalists and others in a secure and private manner.
Controversies
ProtonMail has been involved in several controversies, including:
- Surveillance: ProtonMail has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding government surveillance requests.
- Data retention: ProtonMail has been criticized for its data retention policies, which some argue are too broad.
- Security vulnerabilities: ProtonMail has been criticized for security vulnerabilities in its software, which have been exploited by hackers.
Overall, ProtonMail is a secure and private email service that provides a range of features and security measures to protect users' emails and data. While the company has faced some controversies, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a secure and private email experience.