Why I Switched from Gmail to Proton Mail for Email Privacy

I’ve used Gmail since the early days of the internet, but a recent slip-up in its spam filter led me to explore alternative email services. After considering various options, I chose Proton Mail’s privacy-focused approach as my new go-to email provider.

The problem with Gmail is that convenience often comes at the cost of privacy. With Google’s aggressive ad collection and data profiling, I’m uneasy about sharing sensitive information about my life online. Plus, my decade-long Gmail account has been exposed in past data breaches, resulting in a constant influx of spam.

Proton Mail addresses these concerns with its on-device AI writing assistant, which uses machine learning to format emails or adjust tone without relying on user data. This approach gives me peace of mind, as I can run the AI models locally without compromising my data.

Another key feature is Proton’s Hide-my-email aliases, which allow me to create burner email IDs for new services. These disposable aliases are a lifesaver when signing up for services without sharing my primary email address. Additionally, Proton Mail natively blocks pixel trackers in emails, preventing marketers from tracking my online activity.

While Proton Mail doesn’t support end-to-end encryption for all emails, its zero-access encryption ensures that even if someone tries to access my inbox or receive data requests, it won’t be able to read the contents. This level of protection aligns with my high standards for email privacy.

Ultimately, I’ve chosen Proton Mail over Gmail due to its strong focus on user privacy and security. Although it may not offer the same level of convenience as Gmail, I’m willing to trade off some ease of use for a secure and private online experience.

Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/the-privacy-focused-email-app-that-finally-pulled-me-away-from-gmail