Proton, the privacy-focused email service provider, has unveiled a new tool called Proton Scribe, an AI writing assistant specifically designed for emails.
Proton Scribe stands out from the crowd by running entirely on-device. This means your email content never leaves your device, eliminating concerns about data breaches or third-party access to sensitive information. This is a significant departure from traditional AI writing assistants, which often require uploading your text to their servers for processing.
Proton emphasizes its commitment to user privacy by ensuring that the training data for Scribe does not come from user inboxes. This is made possible by Proton’s zero-access encryption, a technology that keeps your emails completely unreadable even by Proton itself. Additionally, Proton has a strict policy of never retaining the data you type into Scribe, further bolstering user trust.
According to Proton founder Andy Yen, Scribe was developed as a secure alternative to existing AI writing tools. He highlights the potential dangers of using third-party services that might have questionable data practices. By offering Scribe directly within Proton Mail, users can benefit from AI assistance while maintaining complete control over their privacy.
Initially, Proton Scribe will be available to business users of Proton Mail for a monthly subscription fee. However, Visionary and Lifetime subscribers will receive Scribe free of charge. The rollout will begin with the web and desktop applications of Proton Mail.
Proton Scribe’s arrival signifies a step forward in the realm of privacy-preserving AI tools. Its on-device processing and commitment to user data security address growing concerns in the online world. With its integration into Proton Mail, Scribe empowers users to leverage AI for improved email composition while safeguarding their privacy.
However, it’s important to remember that AI technology is still under development. While Scribe offers assistance, the quality and accuracy of its suggestions may vary. As with any new technology, user feedback and responsible development will be crucial in shaping the future of Proton Scribe and similar privacy-focused AI tools.
