Encrypted email provider ProtonMail has launched its own onion address, allowing users to access the service over the Tor anonymizing network (via TechCrunch).

The Swiss-based email account provider, which has more than 2 million users, said the measure was aimed at defending against state-sponsored censorship, and pointed to recent moves around the world to block encrypted communications and expand surveillance.

facebook_logo
ProtonMail said it was worried about increased attacks on online privacy, such as encryption messaging app Signal being blocked in Egypt, and the UK passing expansive surveillance legislation which mandates tracking of web activity.

The service also reported a bump in registrations following President-Elect Donald Trump's election win, with web users said to be seeking a non-U.S. based secure email provider in case of a broad expansion of online surveillance activity.

"Given ProtonMail's recent growth, we realize that the censorship of ProtonMail in certain countries is inevitable and we are proactively working to prevent this," said co-founder Andy Yen in a statement on the launch. "Tor provides a way to circumvent certain Internet blocks so improving our compatibility with Tor is a natural first step."

ProtonMail can now be reached over the Tor network directly using the onion address https://protonirockerxow.onion. The provider has also posted instructions on how to access the site on iOS devices, although it is currently looking into problems with access via the free Onion Browser app.

ProtonMail is a free download for iPad and iPhone on the App Store. [Direct Link]

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Top Rated Comments

Robert.Walter Avatar
90 months ago
I wish Apple would do something similar. Maybe with an included VPN.

Oh and with reasonable storage subscriptions.
[doublepost=1484830466][/doublepost]
ProtonMail, the choice of preference for terrorists and crooks worldwide.....
Such systems are also valued by researchers, lawyers, dissidents and people that generally value their privacy and or want to protect against espionage.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mkeeley Avatar
90 months ago
Yes, but on the other hand, starting tomorrow, Donald Trump will have the power to read your email. :eek:
How will that be any different to what Obama's been doing?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mw360 Avatar
90 months ago
How will that be any different to what Obama's been doing?
It would be exactly the same, but with Obama replaced by a petty, vindictive, intolerant, ill-tempered, shameless, unhinged, corrupt proto fascist, who seems to have a real, real problem with dissenting voices.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wlonsdale Avatar
90 months ago
Yes, but on the other hand, starting tomorrow, Donald Trump will have the power to read your email. :eek:
[doublepost=1484833529][/doublepost]
Like Obama has been doing for eight years
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mw360 Avatar
90 months ago
ProtonMail, the choice of preference for terrorists and crooks worldwide.....
Yes, but on the other hand, starting tomorrow, Donald Trump will have the power to read your email. :eek:
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NomadicTy Avatar
90 months ago
It would be exactly the same, but with Obama replaced by a petty, vindictive, intolerant, ill-tempered, shameless, unhinged, corrupt proto fascist, who seems to have a real, real problem with dissenting voices.
So you'd rather have a dear leader that is corrupt, lying, deceiving, murdering by drones (including US citizens without a trial), surveillance state expanding, cold war reigniting, race baiting, clueless about economics, never had a real job nor business before politics, and whistle-blower prosecuting as long as he is smooth talking and sweet jiving? Oh the letter D after names erases all the faults, right?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Logo

Apple Discontinued These 5 Products This Year

Monday November 27, 2023 7:03 am PST by
As the end of 2023 nears, now is a good opportunity to look back at some of the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Apple products discontinued in 2023 include the iPhone 13 mini, 13-inch MacBook Pro, MagSafe Battery Pack, MagSafe Duo Charger, and leather accessories. Also check out our lists of Apple products discontinued in 2022 and 2021. iPhone Mini ...
ios 17 namedrop

Police Departments and News Sites Spreading Misinformation About How iOS 17 NameDrop Feature Works

Monday November 27, 2023 5:11 pm PST by
Apple with iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 introduced a new NameDrop feature that is designed to allow users to place Apple devices near one another to quickly exchange contact information. Sharing contact information is done with explicit user permission, but some news organizations and police departments have been spreading misinformation about how functions. As noted by The Washington Post,...
iOS 17

iOS 17.1.2 Update for iPhone Likely to Be Released This Week

Monday November 27, 2023 8:24 am PST by
Apple will likely release iOS 17.1.2 this week, based on mounting evidence of the software in our website's analytics logs in recent days. As a minor update, iOS 17.1.2 should be focused on bug fixes, but it's unclear exactly which issues might be addressed. Some users have continued to experience Wi-Fi issues on iOS 17.1.1, so perhaps iOS 17.1.2 will include the same fix for Wi-Fi...
Cyber Monday Deals Feature 2022

40+ Apple Cyber Week Deals for AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 26, 2023 9:47 am PST by
Cyber Week has taken the place of Black Friday, and you'll find some of the same deals still around for the next few days, although many from Black Friday have now expired. This includes dozens of record low prices on Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iPhone, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a...
General Black Friday Deals 2022 Green

40+ Apple Black Friday Deals Still Available for AirPods, iPhone, iPad and More

Friday November 24, 2023 5:01 am PST by
Black Friday 2023 has officially ended, but we're still tracking some of the best deals of the year on Apple products like AirPods, iPad, iPhone, MacBook, and many more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically, in this article we're...