Proton Launches Self-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet for iOS, Android, and Web

Proton, a privacy-focused company known for its encrypted services like Proton Mail and Proton VPN, has officially launched its self-custodial Bitcoin wallet across iOS, Android, and web platforms. This release follows a successful early access phase with over 100,000 testers.

Founded in Switzerland in 2014 by former CERN scientists, Proton has long supported Bitcoin, accepting it for payments and integrating it into its financial reserves. The new Proton Wallet allows users to buy, store, and transfer Bitcoin securely, leveraging Proton’s encrypted infrastructure. A key feature is the ability to send Bitcoin using just an email address, simplifying transactions while maintaining privacy. The wallet also generates new addresses for each transaction to enhance anonymity.

Proton CEO Andy Yen emphasized the company’s commitment to digital freedom, recalling how Bitcoin provided a crucial alternative when PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) temporarily blocked Proton’s crowdfunding in 2014. Built with end-to-end encryption, Proton Wallet ensures users retain full control over their private keys, reinforcing its self-custodial nature.

The open-source wallet prioritizes transparency and security, allowing external audits to verify its protections. It encrypts private data locally on users’ devices and secures transaction histories. While it currently supports only Bitcoin, Proton has hinted at expanding to other cryptocurrencies and fiat based on user demand.

With its user-friendly design and strong security measures, Proton Wallet aims to drive Bitcoin adoption as a decentralized payment method, free from traditional financial institutions.