Key Points
- Swiss tech firm Proton introduces a self-custody digital wallet supporting crypto transactions via email.
- The Proton Wallet initially supports Bitcoin, with potential to add other currencies based on user feedback.
Proton AG, a Swiss tech company reputed for its privacy-centric online services, has unveiled an open-source self-custody digital wallet named Proton Wallet. The wallet is currently in its early access phase and is accessible on web, Android, and iOS platforms.
Wallet Features and Future Prospects
At its launch, the wallet will only support Bitcoin (BTC). However, the company has indicated the possibility of adding support for other currencies, including fiat, depending on user feedback.
The Proton Wallet allows users to send cryptocurrency using email addresses, irrespective of whether these addresses are associated with Proton Mail, Proton’s encrypted email service. Proton has also integrated with platforms that enable users to purchase Bitcoin in over 150 countries. The company, however, has not disclosed the identities of these partners.
Proton’s Blockchain Initiatives
Proton is also working on a paid version of the wallet, named Proton Wallet Plus. This version will include Proton Sentinel, a special security program designed for users at a higher risk of cyberattacks. The company has not yet detailed the technical features or the release timeline of this version.
Established in 2013, Proton has been consistently involved in blockchain-based projects. In late 2023, Proton Mail launched a feature that automatically compares users’ public keys, generated once they create an email on Proton, with intended recipients on a blockchain. This feature ensures that emails are delivered to the correct destination. The email service has also been holding Bitcoin on its balance sheet since 2017 and continues to accept cryptocurrency as a payment method.
