protonmail gets a slick new look, as privacy tech eyes the mainstream

ProtonMail Unveils Redesigned Interface and Growing User Base

ProtonMail, the end-to-end encrypted email provider, has launched a design refresh, offering a more streamlined appearance and enhanced user customization options. This includes a selection of themes, with both dark and high-contrast modes available.

Expanding User Adoption and Privacy Focus

The Swiss-based company recently announced surpassing 50 million users worldwide, coinciding with its seventh anniversary. This growth reflects the increasing usability of privacy-focused technologies, which has broadened their appeal to a wider audience.

ProtonMail’s seamless integration of PGP encryption provides a robust security standard, making end-to-end encryption accessible to everyday internet users. This offers a technical assurance that user data remains private and unmonitored.

Enhanced User Experience and Productivity Suite

The updated interface, as showcased in available screenshots, complements the core end-to-end encryption features. As the platform’s user base expands, greater attention is being directed towards refining the design and user interface details.

Proton is concurrently developing a suite of productivity applications, leveraging its privacy commitment as a key selling point. The company aims to provide an “encrypted ecosystem” of tools for secure communication and data management.

Freemium Model and Sustainable Privacy

While ProtonMail operates on a freemium model, which can sometimes raise concerns regarding digital privacy, Proton’s commitment to privacy engineering remains central to its operations. The company’s business strategy relies on revenue from paying subscribers, who contribute to supporting the free tier of its services.

Integrated Applications and Expanded Services

A significant addition to the refreshed web app is an application switcher, enabling users to seamlessly transition between Proton’s various applications, including Proton Calendar and Proton Drive – an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage solution currently in beta.

The company also provides a VPN service; however, it’s important to note that while Proton pledges not to track user browsing activity, the architectural nature of VPNs differs from its other products, lacking the same “zero access” technical guarantee.

The app switcher visually distinguishes between applications, with Mail, Calendar, and Drive utilizing the brand’s signature purple color, while the VPN is highlighted in green, potentially signifying this distinction in security architecture.

Interface Improvements and Streamlined Functionality

Further enhancements to the ProtonMail interface include redesigned keyboard shortcuts for efficient message management and quick filters for sorting emails by read/unread status.

The Import-Export application, initially released in beta in November, has been integrated directly into ProtonMail as the “Import Assistant,” eliminating the need for a separate download.

Growing Demand for Privacy Technologies

The increasing adoption of privacy technologies is driven by several factors. Improved accessibility and usability, spearheaded by developers like Proton, are coupled with growing awareness of the risks associated with data breaches and privacy-invasive advertising practices.

Even major technology companies, such as Apple, are actively highlighting the privacy shortcomings of competitors in their marketing campaigns, emphasizing their commitment to user data protection.

Leveraging iOS App Privacy Disclosures

Proton is strategically positioned to capitalize on this growing privacy consciousness. The company is utilizing Apple’s iOS App Privacy disclosures to showcase its competitive advantages and differentiate itself from data-mining alternatives.

For instance, Proton is drawing attention to the background data exchanges inherent in Google-owned Gmail, contrasting them with the complete absence of surveillance on ProtonMail user messages.

Andy Yen, founder and CEO of ProtonMail, stated: “Your email is your life. It’s a record of your purchases, your conversations, your friends and loved ones. If left unprotected it can provide a detailed insight into your private life. We believe users should have a choice on how and with whom their data is shared. With the redesigned ProtonMail, we are offering an even easier way for users to take control of their data.”

This report has been updated to include further details regarding the Import Assistant feature.

https://techcrunch.com/2021/05/19/__trashed-13/