Proton, the Swiss technology company known for creating privacy-preserving online tools like ProtonMail and ProtonVPN, is now venturing into the world of Bitcoin with the launch of Proton Wallet, a self-custody Bitcoin wallet.
This new product is set to revolutionize the way users send and receive Bitcoin, making transactions as easy as sending an email. Proton Wallet will be integrated with ProtonMail, adding an extra layer of security and privacy to Bitcoin transactions.
Andy Yen, founder and CEO of Proton, highlighted the importance of making Bitcoin more accessible and secure for users. He stated, “Bitcoin’s value to society has been hindered by the difficulty of transacting and security concerns, and we designed Proton Wallet to specifically address both.”
Proton Wallet is part of Proton’s suite of end-to-end encrypted tools that prioritize user privacy on the internet. The motivation behind creating Proton Wallet stems from Proton’s own experience with Bitcoin, which played a crucial role in the company’s survival during challenging times.
Dingchao Lu, Director of Proton Wallet, emphasized the company’s mission to reduce dependence on centralized financial institutions and provide financial freedom to users worldwide. Proton has been accepting Bitcoin payments since 2016 and has seen significant financial benefits from holding onto the cryptocurrency.
Proton Wallet will offer robust security features, including two-factor authentication and support for hardware security keys. The wallet will also integrate Proton Sentinel, a tool that uses machine learning and AI to prevent malicious login attempts and protect user accounts.
Currently, Proton Wallet is available to Proton Visionary users and select Bitcoin community members as part of an early access program. The product will be rolled out to all Proton users in the future, with a waitlist available for those interested in getting started.
Overall, Proton Wallet aims to make Bitcoin transactions more accessible, secure, and user-friendly, further solidifying Proton’s commitment to privacy and financial freedom for its users.
