Microsoft Word and Google Docs have long been among the most preferred applications in the document editing space. However, both applications have numerous vulnerabilities for privacy-conscious users. Now, software developer Proton, known for its focus on privacy, has introduced a new application that rivals Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Here are the details…

Proton’s solution to Microsoft Word and Google Docs’ privacy issues!

Proton has introduced its own document editing application, Proton Docs, which stands as a significant alternative to Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Proton Docs encompasses all the essential features required in an application, such as text creation, editing, and collaboration.

The new text application, Proton Docs, is highlighted as one of the most significant updates added to Proton Drive following Proton’s acquisition of the secure note-taking application Secure Notes in April 2024.

Proton Docs, which has nearly all the same features as its rivals, manages to stand out by taking an important step. The application surpasses rivals like Microsoft Word and Google Docs by blocking access to user content and keeping user data completely private through end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

In a blog post introducing Proton Docs, Anant Vijay, Product Manager of Proton Mail and Proton Drive, also critiqued the current tools: “Billions of people use online document editing applications like Google Docs or Microsoft 365 to write reports, collaborate on projects, and keep track of meeting notes. However, there is growing concern that major tech platforms can access your content, track you across the web, and collect data to train privacy-invasive AI models.”

Vijay’s observations are quite accurate because document editors like Google Docs can see everything you write and keep a record of all the changes you make. Additionally, since both Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer cloud-based services, user data is stored on third-party servers.

It is also known that Google has declared its ability to use user data for AI training. Combining all these privacy concerns, there has been a long-standing need for a text application with end-to-end encryption. Proton Docs allows the system to upload documents with different extensions thanks to cross-platform compatibility.

Proton Docs offers users 5GB of storage for free. There are also paid subscription options that include more storage and additional applications. Are you considering using Proton Docs?