Proton, renowned for its privacy-focused email client, has extended its commitment to user security with the launch of Proton Docs. Announced in a recent blog post, Proton Docs is a new document editing platform that places a strong emphasis on encryption, promising to encrypt files, cursor movements, and keystrokes.
Proton Docs, accessible through Proton Drive, boasts a familiar user interface with features commonly found in Google Docs. These include a formatting toolbar, rich text options, file names and paths, commenting, multimedia support, blank pages, and live indicators to track simultaneous file access. The platform also supports file types like Microsoft .docx and allows users to insert images. Collaboration is facilitated by inviting others to work on a file. However, those without a Proton account are encouraged to create one, as link-based sharing is currently unavailable.
This launch adds another layer of privacy protection to Proton’s suite of services. While not yet available as a standalone app, Proton Docs is accessible online. There is no official word on an app release or supported operating systems, but past experiences with Proton Drive, which initially launched as a web browser application, suggest that a mobile app is likely in the works.
This release comes shortly after Proton introduced enhanced sharing features in Proton Drive. While not currently open-source, Proton has confirmed that it will soon be, allowing users to independently verify its security claims. The development of Proton Docs involved a collaboration with the team at Standard Notes, which Proton recently acquired.
Proton Docs offers a free tier with a 5GB storage limit. Beyond that, users will need to upgrade to a paid account. While Google Docs remains the dominant player in the document editing space, Proton Docs presents a compelling privacy-focused alternative. Its adoption remains to be seen, but its emphasis on end-to-end encryption and potential open-source release could attract users who value security above all else.
