Proton, the company behind the popular end-to-end encrypted email service ProtonMail, announced that they will be joining forces with standard notes, a secure and open-source note-taking application. This move represents a significant step forward in Proton's mission to build a comprehensive ecosystem of privacy-focused products and services.
For those unfamiliar with Standard Notes, it is a cross-platform note-taking app that boasts robust end-to-end encryption, ensuring that users' notes remain private and accessible only to them. With over 300,000 active users, Standard Notes has garnered a loyal following among individuals and professionals who value privacy and data security.
According to Andy Yen, Proton's founder and CEO, the acquisition aligns perfectly with the company's core values and long-term vision.
Andy Yen
Proton's decision to acquire Standard Notes is a strategic move designed to benefit users by bringing secure, easy-to-use, and private products to the market. By leveraging the expertise and experience of the Standard Notes team, Proton aims to enhance the reliability and resilience of its existing products while paving the way for future innovations.
For existing Standard Notes users, the acquisition ensures the continuity of the service they have come to rely on. According to the official announcement by standard notes, Standard Notes will remain open-source, and all current subscriptions, including 5-year plans, will be honored without any price changes. Additionally, the app will continue to undergo independent audits and receive regular updates and new features.
Mo Bitar, the founder and CEO of Standard Notes, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "In Proton, we've found a partner that shares our laser focus on protecting privacy." He emphasized that the two companies share a deep commitment to safeguarding users' freedom to think, speak, and act without the fear of surveillance or intrusion.
The acquisition also presents an opportunity for Proton to expand its user base and introduce Standard Notes to its community. While there is some overlap between the two user bases, less than a quarter of Standard Notes users are currently Proton users, leaving ample room for cross-selling and community growth.
Proton's portfolio already includes secure email, calendar, cloud storage, a VPN service, and a password manager. By adding Standard Notes to the mix, the company solidifies its position as a comprehensive provider of privacy-focused solutions, catering to a wide range of user needs.
