Proton Launches End-to-End Encrypted Spreadsheet App
â–¼ Summary
– Proton has launched Proton Sheets, a new privacy-focused spreadsheet app with end-to-end encryption and real-time collaboration.
– The app requires a Proton Drive account and is accessible via web browsers and the Proton Drive app on any device.
– Its interface is intentionally designed to resemble Excel or Google Sheets to feel familiar to users.
– Proton Sheets supports common formulas and allows the import of CSV and XLS files from other platforms.
– This release is part of Proton’s strategy to offer a secure, privacy-focused alternative to Big Tech services, following the launch of Proton Docs.
For those prioritizing digital privacy, the launch of a new encrypted spreadsheet application marks a significant step toward a fully secure productivity suite. Proton has officially launched Proton Sheets, a privacy-centric spreadsheet tool designed to compete directly with offerings from Google and Microsoft. The company emphasizes that the app features real-time collaboration alongside robust end-to-end encryption, a combination that ensures only the document’s creators and collaborators can view its contents. According to Proton’s announcement, this security model means that no third party, including Proton itself, can access the data within your spreadsheets.
To utilize Proton Sheets, users must have a Proton Drive account. The service offers a free tier starting with 5GB of storage. The spreadsheet tool is accessible through standard web browsers and within the Proton Drive application, allowing for secure access across various devices. This integration is part of Proton’s broader strategy to create a cohesive, encrypted ecosystem for personal and professional use.
Visually, the application will feel instantly familiar to anyone accustomed to mainstream spreadsheet software. The design intentionally mirrors the layout of tools like Excel and Google Sheets, featuring a white grid, similarly positioned toolbars, and a comparable overall interface. Proton Drive product lead Anant Vijay noted that this deliberate similarity helps users feel comfortable from the outset, reducing the learning curve. Functionally, Proton Sheets supports widely-used formulas and provides the ability to import CSV and XLS files from other platforms, facilitating a smooth transition for users migrating their data.
This release builds on the recent introduction of Proton Docs, an encrypted word processor launched in July 2024. Both products form key components of Proton’s answer to growing unease over data collection practices by major technology firms. The company specifically cites concerns around AI models, such as Google’s Gemini, which is integrated into its own Sheets product, and the broader trend of data harvesting for advertising and training purposes.
“No one should need to expose their data to use a service. After Proton Docs, a spreadsheet tool was the next piece of the puzzle for a secure workspace,” explained Vijay. “You can now protect your entire workspace, from your email to your calendar, your documents to your spreadsheets. No surveillance. No data harvesting.” The statement underscores Proton’s commitment to providing a comprehensive alternative for users seeking to maintain control over their personal and professional information without sacrificing collaborative functionality.
(Source: The Verge)
