Proton Releases Free and Privacy-Focused Alternative to Google Docs

Proton, the Swiss company recognized for its privacy-oriented services, has introduced a free alternative to Google Docs. Proton Docs is an end-to-end encrypted substitute for Google Docs. With this new release, Proton is expanding its range of privacy-focused productivity tools, which already include ProtonMail and ProtonVPN, as well as Proton Drive.

“Docs in Proton Drive are built on the same privacy and security principles as all our services, starting with end-to-end encryption. Docs let you collaborate in real time, leave comments, add photos, and store your files securely. Best of all, it’s all private—even keystrokes and cursor movements are encrypted.” The company announced the release in a blog post.

Proton Docs has been introduced as part of Proton Drive, the cloud storage service provided by Proton, which was launched in September 2022.

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How to Use Proton Docs?

Here is how you can use Proton Docs:

Create a Proton Drive Account

• Visit the Proton Drive website at drive.proton.me.
• Sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one.

Access Proton Docs

• Log in to your Proton Drive account.
• Click on “New” in the top left corner.
• Select “New document” from the drop-down menu.

Collaborate in Real-Time

• Invite others to view or edit your document.
• Collaborators need to create a free Proton account to access the document.
• See collaborators’ presence and cursor movements in real time.

Edit and Format Documents

• Add and format text, insert photos, and embed images.
• Leave comments, reply to them, and resolve them within the document.

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It features new document creation, modification, and collaboration with other users. It is not only a safe space for single users but also for businesses. This is especially valuable for sectors that require strict data protection, like healthcare, finance, the media, and legal services.

This brand-new alternative to Google Docs provides high-level safety with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) that permits only the person who made the document and those they invited to access its content. Not even Proton can see what you write in a document. This feature is unique to Proton Docs because Google Docs and Microsoft Office lack E2EE, allowing them to access your data. Proton’s zero-knowledge architecture, which implies it does not store the encryption keys, gives you complete trust in the privacy and security of your data.

Proton Docs has everything that Google Docs offers and more. You can format your text, include pictures, and work with multiple file formats, like Microsoft.docx.

It has a free tier that offers you space for up to 5 GB, with essential document features available without cost. You can invite others to look at and modify documents, but those who are invited need their own free Proton account to get into it.

One of its key features is real-time cooperation, similar to Google Docs. It allows more than one user to edit documents at the same time while leaving remarks or observing the others’ cursor movements.

With the inclusion of Docs in Proton’s suite of apps, you can have a secure and private option for writing reports, collaborating on projects, and keeping track of meeting notes without having to rely on Google’s platform.

Andy Yen, the Chief Executive Officer of Proton, highlighted how significant it is to make tools that prioritize privacy and easy use. Proton intends to lessen the difficulty of shifting towards secure document handling by providing a clear interface and necessary functions for users who are used to Google Docs or other online editors.

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