ProtonMail service is now open for public allowing users to sign up and use the secure email service for free.

The Geneva-based email provider with over 500,000 users offers protection against cyberattacks and online data privacy. One of the main features of ProtonMail is that all emails are secured with end-to-end encryption. The account provider cannot decrypt and read users' emails and consequently cannot share them with third parties.

One of the motivations behind the launch was the concerns about the global increase of surveillance.

“We understand that governments have concerns when it comes to terrorism and encryption, but undermining our collective security by weakening cryptography is the wrong approach. Whether we admit it or not, we are now in the middle of a second crypto war,” the announcement in the corporative blog reads.

The free version became possible thanks to the crowdfunding campaign. Donations can be made in the digital currency bitcoin. Mobile apps for iOS and Android are also available. The upgraded accounts are still available and the payment can be made either in PayPal, credit cards, or bitcoin. The premium plan for $5 per month includes 5 GB of storage and custom domain.

Combining bitcoin payment option and ProtonMail account means that anyone can use a premium encrypted email anonymously without revealing any personal information. The privacy is ensured because ProtonMail does not keep any IP logs which can be linked to email accounts.

Anonymity is still the most controversial feature of bitcoin digital currency attracting some, raising suspicions in others and provoking heated discussions both in the blockchain community and within financial and security structures. Earlier this year the New York-based cybersecurity startup Chainalysis closed an agreement with Europol's European Cybercrime Centre on collaboration and information sharing to resist online crime and fraud. Chainalysis identifies malicious agents by tracking their identities on blockchain. The team of developers is working on tools that will respect the customers' privacy and prevent abuse of the financial system.

Sonya Belova