Proton Launches Encrypted Spreadsheet Sheets

Proton, the Swiss privacy-focused technology company, has launched Proton Sheets, a new end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet application integrated into its Proton Drive cloud storage service. The tool, announced on Thursday, provides users with a secure alternative to popular options like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel, ensuring that data remains inaccessible even to Proton itself.

Proton Sheets operates as a standard spreadsheet editor with features including real-time collaboration, built-in formulas for calculations, chart generation for data visualization, and shared editing capabilities. Users can access it from any device, import existing files in CSV or XLS formats, and export encrypted versions for use elsewhere. Metadata, such as filenames, is also encrypted by default, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. The service is available at no additional cost to anyone with a Proton Drive account, which starts with a free tier offering 5 gigabytes of storage. Paid plans, such as Drive Plus at $4.99 per month for 200 gigabytes or Unlimited at $12.99 per month for 500 gigabytes, provide expanded capacity.

The launch addresses growing concerns among...