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Proton Drive

Launched: 2022 Jurisdiction: 🇨🇭 Switzerland Encryption: Client-side E2EE Status: Active

Proton Drive is an encrypted cloud storage service launched in May 2022...

Why It Doesn't Collaborate

Proton Drive cannot collaborate with governments...

E2EE
Client-Side
AES-256
Encryption
0
Server Access
Open Source
Auditable

Detailed Analysis

Client-side encryption architecture

Unlike mainstream cloud storage providers...

Shared links are also encrypted

When you share a file via Proton Drive...

What Proton CAN provide to authorities:

  • Storage usage statistics
  • Account creation date
  • Connection IP (if logging enabled)

What Proton CANNOT provide:

  • File contents (encrypted with user key)
  • File names (encrypted)
  • Folder structures (encrypted)
  • Thumbnail previews (encrypted)
  • Shared link contents (key in URL fragment)

What Proton Drive cannot provide

Even under a legally binding Swiss court order...

⚠️ Important: Unlike Google Drive or Dropbox, Proton Drive encrypts everything — including file names and folder names. There is nothing usable to hand over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Proton read my files?+

No. Files are encrypted on your device before upload...

What happens if a government requests my data?+

Proton can only provide minimal metadata, never content...

Are shared links private?+

Yes. The decryption key is in the URL fragment (#), which is never sent to Proton's servers. Only someone with the full link can access the file.

How does it compare to Google Drive?+

Google Drive can read every file you store. Proton Drive cannot — the encryption happens before files leave your device.