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.

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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]

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Top Rated Comments

Robert.Walter Avatar
111 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
110 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
110 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
110 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
111 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
110 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)

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