Proton

Proton is a Swiss privacy technology company offering encrypted email, VPN, cloud storage, and calendar services. Founded by scientists who met at CERN, including CEO Andy Yen, the company began with ProtonMail, the world's largest encrypted email service. Based in Geneva, Proton operates under Switzerland's strong privacy laws, providing additional protection compared to services based in jurisdictions with extensive surveillance powers. Proton's product ecosystem includes ProtonMail (end-to-end encrypted email), ProtonVPN (secure virtual private network), Proton Calendar (encrypted calendar), and Proton Drive (encrypted cloud storage). All services feature end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption, meaning even Proton cannot access user data. The company emphasizes both security and usability, creating privacy tools accessible to everyday users rather than just technical specialists. Proton follows a freemium business model, offering basic services for free while charging for premium features, thus avoiding the data collection and advertising model common among tech companies. The company maintains a strong commitment to digital freedom and internet neutrality, often supporting journalists, activists, and organizations in regions with internet censorship. Proton represents a European alternative to Silicon Valley technology, built on the principle that privacy is a fundamental right and that users should maintain control of their personal data in the digital world.