Tired of Big Tech Snooping on Your Emails? Try ProtonMail Instead!

For years, I trusted Gmail completely. Then, one day, an innocent emailEmail, or electronic mail, is a digital communication tool that allows users to send and receive mes... More from a friend revealed the scary truth: my InboxAn Inbox is the main repository for new emails in any email client or service. Here, messages are co... More wasn’t as private as I thought.

It all started while I was on a ZoomZoom is a versatile video conferencing platform that enables users to connect and collaborate remote... More call with a friend, catching up on life. When talk turned to business, he proudly showed me a new software product he built with his tech-savvy son.

The software was simple—designed to help small businesses ask their customers for 5-star reviews.

As part of the demo, my friend had the software send a test email to my Gmail account.

That’s when things took an unexpected turn…

“Looks like you already opened that email,” my friend said casually.

But I hadn’t! In fact, I hadn’t even seen the email yet. When I checked Gmail, there was his test email, sitting unopened in my inbox.

Yet his software showed otherwise.

(The software’s dashboard shows if an email it sent has been opened. Don’t ask me how – it’s all tech magic!)

At first, we thought it was a mistake. But then he checked with his son.

That’s when his son dropped a bombshell: it wasn’t a glitch… GoogleGoogle is a multinational technology company known for its internet-related products and services, i... More had ‘opened’ the email before I even touched it.

I couldn’t believe it. It felt like someone was snooping through my private stuff.

I felt violated.

I always knew Google could scan my emails. But knowing that vs. seeing the proof before me were two very different things.

After that unsettling experience, I looked for a better, more private option—and that’s when I found ProtonMail. And I’m so glad I did!

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Enter ProtonMail

Since the switch, Proton has become one of my favorite companies on the planet.

It was founded by a team of nuclear scientists with one goal in mind—your privacy. Even better, they’re a non-profit, so they’re focused on people, not profits

Proton won’t pry into your personal emails and files.

They don’t profile you, so they can target you with ads.

They just build easy-to-use, privacy-focused, quality software products.

It’s a breath of fresh air.

8 Reasons I Love Using ProtonMail

Here are the 8 key reasons I like using ProtonMail:

1. Keep My Data Out of Big Tech’s Hands

I’m no international spy and don’t have much to hide. But I still value my privacy.

It makes me uneasy when Google, Yahoo! and others can access the contents of my emails.

Especially when it comes to emails from my bank, accountant or medical providers.

I’m sure Google knows more about me than the FBI and CIA. But why give them access to everything?

Using ProtonMail gives me some comfort, knowing that at least my emails are invisible to Big Tech’s prying eyes.

2. No Ads!

Sometimes, my Yahoo! inbox has so many ads it looks like Times Square! Gmail’s not so bad anymore, but I’m still afraid they use info from my emails to target me with ads.

On the other hand, I’ve never seen even a hint of an ad in my ProtonMail account. It’s one of the few places in this world you can still say that about!

3. Very Little Spam

On a related note, in all my years of using ProtonMail, I can’t remember getting a single spamSpam, in the context of email and online communication, refers to unsolicited and often unwanted mes... More email.  

A big reason why is I’m careful with who I share my Proton email address with.

But this is another reason why switching to a new ProtonMail address makes so much sense. It’s untouched, sacred ground.

And I’ll tell you, it’s WAY more pleasant checking email when you don’t have to wade through junk from Nigerian princes, Viagra salesmen and hot singles in your area who want to “connect.”

4. Easy to Use

ProtonMail’s websiteA website is a collection of interconnected web pages or digital content that are accessible via the... More and appAn app, short for application, is a type of software designed to help users perform specific tasks o... More are very easy to use. It won’t be long before you’re using it like a pro!

5. You Can Use the Free Version

ProtonMail offers a free version, and for many people, that’s all they need.

But there’s Mail Plus, which is $4 a month, and Proton Unlimited (which I use), which costs $10/month.

I’m not going to get into the differences between all these. You can see those for yourself on the Proton website here.

I started with a free account but quickly upgraded because I found the benefits of the Unlimited plan to be 100% worth it.

6. Open Source

Proton’s code is Open Source, which means it’s transparent—anyone can look under the hood.

Because of this, Proton software has been audited by 1000s of security experts worldwide who vouch for Proton’s security.

That gives me more peace of mind than the proprietary code Big Tech keeps under lock and key.

7. Swiss Privacy Laws

Proton is headquartered in Switzerland. And if there’s one thing the Swiss love, it’s privacy! (Oh, and chocolate.)

Since the company falls under Swiss jurisdiction, they won’t let any government access your email account. Ever.

8. Encryption

ProtonMail emails are encrypted. Not even Proton’s own servers can access your emails to see what’s in them.

Tips for Making the Switch to ProtonMail

If you want to give ProtonMail a try, here are some tips for making the switch as easy as pie.

Do it Slowly

Switching email providers can be a big task. But you don’t (and shouldn’t) need to do it all at once.

Take your time.

Set up your account. Get familiar with the interface and how to use ProtonMail. Then, start making the switch. Here’s how…

Start with important accounts

When you’re ready, start by switching your most important accounts. Maybe begin with close friends and family.

Then, change the email for your bank.

Once you’re comfortable that everything’s working the way it should, move on to other accounts.

Keep your old email account

Switching to ProtonMail doesn’t mean you have to give up your old email account.

So, keep that old Gmail account (I still have mine). Just check it once or twice a month for anything important.

This way, you don’t have to worry about missing out on some important message because you shut down your account completely.

Give It a Try

There are few products (tech or otherwise) that I recommend more highly than ProtonMail.

Give them a try and take more control over the privacy and security of your personal data.

You can sign up here.