Proton launches new end-to-end encrypted spreadhseets for ultra secure data handling

• Proton has launched its own E2EE spreadsheet software
• Half of European businesses still rely on cloud-based spreadsheets
• Other Proton Drive, Pass, VPN and Lumo improvements are coming, too

Following last year’s launch of Proton Docs, Swiss privacy-first cloud productivity company Proton has announced the launch of Sheets, its end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet software.

As has become expected from the company, Proton stressed that no one (not even itself) can access spreadsheet content, making it perfect for secure budgeting and data tracking for both individuals and businesses.

The not-so-insignificant launch comes as cloud-based spreadsheets continue to be used in the workplace, with more than half (54%) of European businesses relying on them for operations, CRM and data analysis.

Proton Sheets joins Docs in the Workspace suite

The timing is also of great importance – key hyperscaler rivals all have their own alternatives, but concerns have been raised about the integration of AI and the subsequent security of their data. Particularly when spreadsheets can contain some of a company’s most confidential data.

When the company launched Docs in July 2024, it highlighted the mass data collection of other apps like Google Docs, the risk of data breaches associated with no end-to-end encryption, weak privacy laws that allow “bulk surveillance” and third-party access for “warrantless surveillance.” These principles stand for Sheets, too.

Proton Sheets is free to use for all Proton Drive account holders, and because it’s built under Swiss privacy laws, offers stronger legal protection than US data frameworks.

Even metadata like file names are encrypted – not just the contents of spreadsheets.

Despite setting itself apart by enhanced encryption, it still supports importing and exporting via CSV and XLS.

But that’s not where it stops, because Proton is making further improvements across its Workspace suit and other apps to entice businesses and consumers away from Big Tech.

Duo and Family plans will soon include one shared drive each to centralize documents, with Business plans set to get “multiple” shared drives. Its Drive apps are also being rebuilt around a new SDK for better performance, including faster uploads and downloads.

Other improvements coming to Proton’s suite of apps include image generation for Lumo, the AI chatbot; upgraded autofill for Proton Pass; and five more free server countries for Proton VPN (Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Norway and Singapore), bringing the total to 10.

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