December 23, 2024

Proton Announces End-to-End Encrypted Collaborative Document Editor for Proton Drive

Posted July 3, 2024 at 2:54pm by iClarified · 3276 views
Proton has announced the launch of a new end-to-end encrypted, collaborative document editor for 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.



Proton is rolling out Docs starting today, and the feature will be available to all users over the next couple of days. At that time, if you go to drive.proton.me and click on New in the top left, you will see the ability to create a New document

Why is Proton launching a doc editor?


● Mass data collection— Document editors such as Google Docs can see everything you write and keep a record of all changes that you have ever made. Once you provide your data to these companies, you no longer have control over how it is used. Data that you think is private may even be used to train AI in the future.
● Risk of data breaches — No major document editor protects your data with end-to-end encryption(new window) by default, which leaves your documents vulnerable to hackers and data breaches. When companies can decrypt your data, it's like leaving the key next to the safe.
● Weak privacy laws — Tech companies with headquarters and data centers in the US are subject to bulk surveillance and lax data protection laws.
● Third-party and government access — Without end-to-end encryption or strong legal protections, your documents are subject to warrantless surveillance(new window) and data sharing(new window).

Proton's doc editor was built as a joint project with the team from Standard Notes. With end-to-end encryption, you are the only one with the key to read and share your documents. Proton does not have access to your docs' content or metadata (ie file names, etc). Proton is based in Switzerland which has strict privacy laws and data is not stored in the USA where it can be subject to government surveillance.

With Docs you can:


● Write with privacy — Create and edit documents within Proton Drive, knowing your contents are only accessible to you and those you choose to share with.
● Share and invite anyone — Invite other users to view or edit your documents with a single click.
● Collaborate in real-time — Changes are reflected immediately, ensuring every contributor always sees the most up-to-date version.
● View cursors and presence indicators — See who else is viewing or editing the document, enhancing teamwork and communication.
● Leave comments and replies — Add comments to share feedback without editing the document. Comments are visible to all collaborators, keeping everyone in the loop.
● Import and export with ease — You can upload .docx documents, edit them, and download in various formats like .docx, .txt, .md, and HTML.

More details at the link below...

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