Proton, a leading provider of privacy-focused email and VPN services, has unveiled Proton Docs, a secure document editor designed to offer users an alternative to Google Docs. The new platform, which bears a striking resemblance to Google Docs in terms of interface and functionality, is intended to appeal to individuals who prioritize data privacy and security in their digital workspace.
Proton Docs marks a significant expansion of the company’s suite of privacy-centric tools, which already includes a calendar, file storage system, and password manager. With this latest addition, Proton is positioning itself as a formidable competitor to established platforms like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
The new document editor boasts a range of features, including rich text options, real-time collaborative editing, and multimedia support. While the initial release is optimized for desktop web browsers, Proton has confirmed plans to expand to other platforms in the future.
What sets Proton Docs apart from its competitors is its commitment to user privacy and security. The company claims that every aspect of the document creation process, including keystrokes and cursor movements, is protected by end-to-end encryption in real-time. This level of security is particularly appealing in an era where concerns about data privacy and the use of user-generated content for AI training are at an all-time high.
Proton’s PR manager, Will Moore, emphasized the company’s ambitious plans for the future, stating that everything Google has is on their roadmap. This declaration suggests that Proton is not content with simply offering a basic alternative but aims to match and potentially surpass the features provided by industry leaders.
The launch of Proton Docs comes on the heels of the company’s acquisition of Standard Notes in April, a move that has clearly influenced the development of this new product. However, Proton has assured users that Standard Notes will continue to exist as a separate entity, with Proton Docs borrowing some of its features.
