# Why I don't like Proton (my thoughts) **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/why-i-dont-like-proton-my-thoughts/36561 **Category:** General **Created:** 2026-03-25T22:31:19Z **Posts:** 52 ## Post 1 by @anonymous580 — 2026-03-25T22:31:19Z New Proton Drive “Scan document” feature on Android depends on Google services. You can check it yourself: disable camera access to Google play services and this feature will refuse to work. So Proton says, I have to scan documents via Google cloud (?) services, leaking data to one of the most privacy intrusive corporation in the world? That feature supposed to be private! What if I wanna scan medical data? Seriously, Proton? It seems like the are rushing to attract as many users as possible trying to suggest “neat and simple tool”. But using privacy intrusive software under hood. Their soft on Android is disaster. Most their competitors (like Infomaniak and Tuta) already have completely degoogled apps on F-Droid (yeah, I know, but I am not talking about F-Droid now), which works perfectly (including notifications) on completely de-googled devices like iod OS or lineage os. They got requested [thousands of time](https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/47173612-official-f-droid-repository) (over 1,2K votes) to support F-Droid, to [remove google shit](https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/19635550-remove-dependance-on-google-play-services) from apps (over 1,8K votes) and to [support Linux normally](https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/47077393-linux-supported-equally) (over 1,9K votes). But what we have now? ProtonMail castrated on degoogled phones (no push notifications!), ProtonDrive uses google services to scan your documents (idk if it processed locally (I hope locally), but iff on google servers it is disaster). Still no ProtonDrive app for Linux. Super inconvenient workarounds how to install and update Proton Pass and Proton Authenticator on Linux (no repos, only manually)… And it is more annoying, because they support shitdows from microslop natively. Yeah, for now it is one of the best providers, and I will continue using it, but this petty but nasty details ruins all Proton experience. If Proton wanna build ecosystem (as they claim) there is no need of using anything from google ecosystem: for privacy and business (google is their competitor) reasons. That’s why I like to encrypt data manually befor uploading to Proton apps or use web versions (I do not grust their apps because of google “contamination”, while their web apps is perfectly fine) --- ## Post 2 by @TinFoilHat — 2026-03-25T22:37:07Z > [@anonymous580](#): > > New Proton Drive “Scan document” feature on Android depends on Google services. I am on Proton Drive 2.34.1 and I couldnt find this feature? --- ## Post 3 by @Aflame-Blighted — 2026-03-25T22:45:03Z > [@TinFoilHat](#): > > I am on Proton Drive 2.34.1 and I couldnt find this feature? I just updated to 2.35.0-beta and can’t see it either. --- ## Post 4 by @anonymous549 — 2026-03-25T23:24:04Z I think OP is referring to [Proton Drive adds OCR scanning](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/proton-drive-adds-ocr-scanning/32547) --- ## Post 5 by @TinFoilHat — 2026-03-26T00:01:52Z Thanks for the link, however I still couldn’t find that feature, neither via web app or via android app downloaded from Proton website. --- ## Post 6 by @PurpleDime — 2026-03-26T01:04:52Z > [@anonymous580](#): > > New Proton Drive “Scan document” feature on Android depends on Google services. **Which OS are you running on your phone?** This surprises me because I have a normal Android phone, but I’m not logged into a single Google service on it and I have Google Play Store disabled. I download all my apps from F-Droid or the Aurora Store. Proton Drive works fine, but I have noticed that for over a month now, I am not longer apple to log onto the Twitter app. Every time I log in it fails even though my credentials are correct, and I suspect it could be because I don’t use the Google Play Store. --- ## Post 7 by @_TrustyRocinante — 2026-03-26T01:23:10Z I’m not sure why your point on Windows support is so upsetting. It’s simply market dominance that dictates where apps will be built natively first. It’s not them simping for Microsoft or something. I’d love Proton Drive on Linux, but that’s part of the deal to sometimes miss out on apps due to the atom-sized market presense. They did launch their Authenticator app with .deb and .rpm support, so they do care about Linux. But my hunch is that building Proton Drive for Linux is their most complicated app due to how it integrates with system files. All their other apps are basically isolated web apps, so it’s easier to build for Linux. It seems like you have a personal grudge against Proton. They are the most accessible way to leave the big three ecosystems for something private. But they aren’t the be-all-end-all for Privacy. I’m on GrapheneOS, but I haven’t faced the issues you describe. It’s possibly my region has an older version so it may come to me, but I have no pending updates yet. --- ## Post 8 by @Footprint — 2026-03-26T01:57:19Z E_dit: removed part about roasting and crying due to my post being flagged by community members because it made them uncomfortable_. Anyways, yeah proton sucks with some stuff, and it makes you wonder wth is going on…literally some basic stuff, so it makes me say “forget them”. But at the same time, im thankful for them, i think they are great, and ill happily progress further into my journey and probably leave them behind while wishing them all the best. --- ## Post 9 by @anonymous580 — 2026-03-26T07:15:41Z > [@TinFoilHat](#): > > this feature > **Screenshots** > > ![1](https://forum-uploads.privacyguidesusercontent.com/original/3X/7/f/7f06f47d93a39de408754b5a9e0183bcc1be6eb4.jpeg) > ![2](https://forum-uploads.privacyguidesusercontent.com/original/3X/a/8/a8bb9059ef18d7653fae653ae69643bb0983d7dc.jpeg) > [@PurpleDime](#): > > Which OS are you running on your phone It is vanilla Samsung (temporary, untill my SHIFTphone arrive) > [@_TrustyRocinante](#): > > It seems like you have a personal grudge against Proton. I do not, I still use them. The post vibe wasn’t “Proton is bad”, it was “Some things in Proton are nasty”. I just don’t use their apps, if they aren’t on F-Droid (anyway they won’t work normally (for ex notification) without google) > [@Footprint](#): > > Anyways, yeah proton sucks with some stuff, and it makes you wonder wth is going on… Yeah. I am only posting my thoughts and some criticism, I am not trying to cancel Proton… --- ## Post 10 by @TinFoilHat — 2026-03-26T07:33:06Z Hmm, its not on my phone, Proton Drive 2.34.1 @ GOS 2026032001 :woman_shrugging: ![Screenshot_20260326-072944](https://forum-uploads.privacyguidesusercontent.com/original/3X/6/4/64d3f6fbc9ece423b0d6194454fcc5a491d927c2.png) --- ## Post 11 by @anon19752758 — 2026-03-26T09:13:19Z I also have 2.34.1 and it shows up for me with the same error on GOS. Could be hidden behind by feature flag that they only enabled for certain users (canary deployment). After some research (which could be wrong) I found this: [ML Kit  |  Google for Developers](https://developers.google.com/ml-kit/vision/doc-scanner/android). I guess this is probably what Proton uses. The reasoning behind that is probably that they don’t have to develop and maintain a camera/vision pipeline, the app is smaller etc. I have to say I still don’t like it as during scanning you also have to trust Google. Which is exactly why people move away from Google to Proton in the first place. --- ## Post 12 by @anonymous580 — 2026-03-26T09:16:31Z > [@anon19752758](#): > > I have to say I still don’t like it as during scanning you also have to trust Google. Which is exactly why people move away from Google to Proton in the first place. Exactly. Proton reliance on google shit is so irrational from privacy perspective --- ## Post 13 by @anon19752758 — 2026-03-26T09:26:16Z It’s not always irrational imo but in this case it is since they’re outsourcing the most privacy-sensitive part of the feature to Google Play services. Push notifications are different imo. With FCM, Google is in the delivery path, but whether Google sees the actual notification content depends on how the app implements it. If an app sends a normal FCM notification or data payload, then Google necessarily handles that payload in transit. If the app is privacy-conscious, it can instead send only a wake-up ping/token through FCM and fetch the real content from its own server afterward. So relying on Play services for push can be a pragmatic compromise. It’s not ideal of course but it’s not too bad either. There are also non-Google alternatives (like UnifiedPush) of course. Document scanning is different imo. Here Play services is not just relaying a small wake-up signal. It gets camera access and runs the scanner flow itself. Google says the scan flow is on-device, which is better than cloud OCR, but you’re handing raw document images to a proprietary Google component. That being said we don’t know if they’re using ML Kit but I suspect they do. Edit: It might also be that I’m totally misunderstanding something about how ML Kit works so take it with a grain of salt --- ## Post 14 by @privacylearner — 2026-03-26T14:20:17Z Who do you recommend otherwise? It’s too bad about proton, given their fairly sleek and easy UI. I’m in the market for an email, cloud, and VPN. --- ## Post 15 by @anonymous549 — 2026-03-26T15:05:02Z > [@privacylearner](#): > > I’m in the market for an email, cloud, and VPN. > **[Encrypted Private Email Recommendations - Privacy Guides](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/email/)** > > These email providers offer a great place to store your emails securely, and many offer interoperable OpenPGP encryption with other providers. > **[The Best Private and Secure Cloud Storage Providers - Privacy Guides](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/cloud/)** > > Many cloud storage providers require your trust that they will not look at your files. These are private alternatives! > **[Private VPN Service Recommendations and Comparison, No Sponsors or Ads -...](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/vpn/)** > > The best VPN services for protecting your privacy and security online. Find a provider here that isn't out to spy on you. --- ## Post 16 by @Footprint — 2026-03-26T18:28:15Z Since you asked me- What/Who do you currently have? If you have Gmail and no vpn, i’d go Proton lol. An affordable Proton plan gets you a lot and makes transitioning into privacy-friendly things easy. I also really like their password manager, however some think it is smart to diverisfy PW manager and Authenticator to a different organization while using Proton suite. So say…. bitwarden, ente auth, proton suite, is an excellent setup for someone just getting into it. If youre not just getting into it, you probably know enough to make a decision! No more derailing the thread, sorry OP. --- ## Post 17 by @Grapeg — 2026-03-26T19:36:30Z The proton suite is good for someone who wants a temptingly priced suite of very competent apps. Someone who is just getting into it should think very carefully about what they are getting into. Sharing password manager login criteria with other apps is a big no no imo. --- ## Post 18 by @anonymous580 — 2026-03-26T20:12:50Z Generally, I use Proton, but through WEB apps OR F-Droid versions (if present). But I still a little furious that they outsource scanning documents (which supposed to be private) to google (which is one of the most privacy intrusive corporation) --- ## Post 19 by @TinFoilHat — 2026-03-26T20:25:09Z As @anon19752758 suggests, it is highly likely Proton is simply utilizing standard android’s on device AI to perform the task, rather than sending it to their server and process it. Until (if ever) a basic (but swappable) on device AI model, with relevant infrastructure, is included in AOSP, I don’t think much can be done. Edit: Well, you don’t really need sophisticated AI models to do it, but if a on-device AI is available, it unlocks a lot more possibilities. --- ## Post 20 by @seize — 2026-03-26T20:28:55Z Just came here to add more data. I’m also on Graphene OS ( 2026032001), however when I installed the proton drive app via sandboxed google play I saw the new scan document upload option, and the subsequent request for camera permissions for play services. --- ## Post 21 by @Encounter5729 — 2026-03-26T20:52:02Z Can confirm the issue. @Proton_Team please fix this ASAP. Even the average app with 12 trackers and ads everywhere do not rely on Play Services for camera access. Never once saw an app use that way. ![83131250-6036-4a3b-94e8-9e6380db7df2](https://forum-uploads.privacyguidesusercontent.com/original/3X/6/6/66e9303499aeade51c0f33f6759edcf076778a72.png) --- ## Post 22 by @Proton_Team — 2026-03-27T13:26:56Z Hi all, here’s what’s actually happening under the hood here. The document scanner on Android uses Google Mobile Services to capture and process the image, but that processing happens entirely on-device. The scanned file is passed back to the Proton Drive app locally before anything gets uploaded to Proton’s servers. GMS in this context is acting as a camera/processing layer, not phoning home to Google. --- ## Post 23 by @TinFoilHat — 2026-03-27T13:44:27Z thanks for claifying, is it a phased rollout? As I dont see it on my device. also for all your (proton) offerings, the apk on your site as well as fdroid is always a good few weeks behind Google play store version, any reason for that and do you have plans to improve the situation? --- ## Post 25 by @anonymous580 — 2026-03-27T15:35:09Z Why not to embed open libs and do it directly inside Proton Drive? Because google services is proprietary and we cannot be sure they won’t “leak”. Plus i don’t feel comfortable giving camera access to Google --- ## Post 26 by @anonymous598 — 2026-04-15T14:33:46Z > [@Proton_Team](#): > > The document scanner on Android uses Google Mobile Services > [@Proton_Team](#): > > that processing happens entirely on-device While I trust your word that it happens on-device, the obvious response is why not implement something else for document scanning? --- ## Post 27 by @anonymous549 — 2026-04-15T14:45:06Z Why would you expect Proton to ‘reinvent the wheel’ so to speak, when the method they use isn’t a privacy or security issue? --- ## Post 28 by @anonymous598 — 2026-04-15T14:55:29Z > [@anonymous549](#): > > reinvent the wheel I didnt expect this at all. I reiterated what @anonymous580 said > [@anonymous580](#): > > Why not to embed open libs and do it directly inside Proton Drive? Whether that’s reinventing the wheel, i wouldnt know. It’s not like I am employed in the tech space. It’s just obviously unexpected to see Proton, a supposed competitor of Google, use GMS let alone with required camera permissions. I’ve used other document scanners and they have never asked me to allow Google Play services camera access. > [@anonymous549](#): > > the method they use isn’t a privacy or security issue Why does it have to be a privacy or security issue? Relying on google dependencies is a criticism of its own. --- ## Post 29 by @anonymous549 — 2026-04-15T15:06:32Z > [@anonymous598](#): > > Relying on google dependencies is a criticism of its own. It just seems like you and @anonymous580 only real complaint is that its Google. Your not advocating for a different result because > [@Proton_Team](#): > > processing happens entirely on-device. is already the best result you could hope for. Protons resources are better spent elsewhere then re-developing an app that will end up functioning the same way just to avoid saying it uses Google in some minor capacity. --- ## Post 30 by @anonymous598 — 2026-04-15T15:09:29Z > [@anonymous549](#): > > only real complaint is that its Google That was made clear, wasn’t it? lol > [@anonymous549](#): > > is already the best result you could hope for. If you say so. If you can’t understand why I, a fellow privacy advocate, would _rather not_ download Google Play services, that’s fine. Different threat models and goals. That doesn’t mean this is the “best result”. --- ## Post 32 by @anonymous598 — 2026-04-15T15:15:10Z > [@anonymous549](#): > > what exactly is your threat model Degoogling > [@anonymous549](#): > > Sorry I originally mistook you for a serious person. You should really re-evaluate how you treat other people and how to contribute positively to discussion. --- ## Post 33 by @anonymous595 — 2026-04-15T22:07:11Z > [@anonymous598](#): > > is why not implement something else for document scanning They can just use Tesseract4Android libs, Tesseract OCR + OpenCV or even “borrow” code from FairScan. But no, Google. That’s what they call “privacy” and “EU based”. But why I still suprised? They **still** didn’t > [remove google shit](https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/19635550-remove-dependance-on-google-play-services) * * * Also, why apps for Linux desktop like calendar and mail paid (I am paying customer btw, but on Pass + SL lifetime)? Ok, I can understand that they developed Proton bridge that is meant for 3p mail clients, causes a little more server load… but **why official desktop clients paid**? What the difference between mobile app and your desktop app? What the profit? Soon VALVE will release Lepton (something like VINE but for android apps) and I will just run apps from Lepton And Proton, maybe you could popularize Linux by making Mail and Calendar app for Linux free, but keeping paid for shitdows? I think they won’t loose many income if they do so, but this will push people (even a little) to switch to Linux. * * * > [@anonymous549](#): > > isn’t a privacy or security issue Google as fact is privacy issue. And we cannot check whether they have security issues - code closed. * * * Personally, I want something like Mythos to get public. Just for hackers to start attacking proprietary shit and forcing companies to change. * * * > [@anonymous549](#): > > avoid saying it uses Google in some minor capacity. Do you understand what happening? You are giving camera permission to company that earn money by spying and surveillance. That’s not “on device” issue. Because even if this _exact_ operation is on device, you still cannot be sure that Google not using camera permission for other nefarious purposes, because you are giving permission not to one “on device” module, you are giving permission to Google play services at whole! --- ## Post 34 by @anon93307265 — 2026-04-15T23:56:25Z Agreed! I used proton unlimited for two years, and due to their choices over that time period…I’m done. proton has gotten very popular during that time (among the privacy minded), however they missed the boat, imo. It WAS a good/excellent option…they no longer are. At best, they’re meh for the “I don’t have much to hide” privacy minded. --- ## Post 35 by @Aflame-Blighted — 2026-04-17T08:36:42Z > [@anon93307265](#): > > I used proton unlimited for two years, and due to their choices over that time period…I’m done Starting to feel like I’m in the same boat. Would be interested to hear what you are going to replace it with? I can come up with a good options for replacements for everything but Proton Drive. It may be controversial, but I actually like it. I don’t think I want to use Tresorit due to government ownership. I like the idea of Peergos, but the lack of talk on here about anyone using it worries me if I’m going to be storing all my documents there long term. I would like to hear more opinions on its use. I’m also not interested in Filen until it’s been audited. --- ## Post 36 by @Grapeg — 2026-04-17T10:36:03Z I felt the same about peergos, it seems great but where is the enthusiastic group of users? Have you considered [mega.io](http://mega.io)? --- ## Post 37 by @anon16234852 — 2026-04-17T10:41:44Z > [@Aflame-Blighted](#): > > I like the idea of Peergos Peergos is probably the best. --- ## Post 38 by @Aflame-Blighted — 2026-04-17T11:08:49Z > [@Grapeg](#): > > it seems great but where is the enthusiastic group of users? Exactly. I want to hear from those people. > [@Grapeg](#): > > Have you considered [mega.io](http://mega.io)? Based in my next door neighbour NZ and owned by Hong Kong, I’m not sure I want that. > [@anon16234852](#): > > Peergos is probably the best. I need to have a play with the demo server again I think. --- ## Post 39 by @Grapeg — 2026-04-17T11:21:23Z > [@anon16234852](#): > > Peergos is probably the best. Are you an enthusiastic user? --- ## Post 40 by @anon16234852 — 2026-04-17T11:29:00Z I do not understand what you are asking. I also use Proton Drive, and it handles the keywords very well. --- ## Post 41 by @Grapeg — 2026-04-17T11:31:15Z It was a slightly cryptic way of asking whether you are a peergos user --- ## Post 42 by @anon16234852 — 2026-04-17T11:35:45Z Yes, I am. I wouldn’t suggest it otherwise. --- ## Post 43 by @anonymous595 — 2026-04-17T11:39:59Z > [@Grapeg](#): > > Have you considered [mega.io](http://mega.io)? They had [critical issues](https://mega-awry.io/pdf/mega-malleable-encryption-goes-awry.pdf) with encryption in the past. And some people [complain](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/any-advices-how-to-store-sensitive-information-in-cloud/36355/14) about them banning people, who use privacy tools like Cryptomator * * * I think for now something like Koofr + Cryptomator will be the best --- ## Post 44 by @Grapeg — 2026-04-17T11:51:04Z > [@anonymous595](#): > > They had [critical issues](https://mega-awry.io/pdf/mega-malleable-encryption-goes-awry.pdf) with encryption in the past. And some people [complain](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/any-advices-how-to-store-sensitive-information-in-cloud/36355/14) about them banning people, who use privacy tools like Cryptomator I was aware of the encryption issue. I’m not aware of anyone being banned for using cryptomator, can you cite any cases? --- ## Post 45 by @anonymous595 — 2026-04-17T16:20:13Z > [@Grapeg](#): > > I’m not aware of anyone being banned for using cryptomator, can you cite any cases Unfortunately, not. I just shared what I found on this forum --- ## Post 46 by @Grapeg — 2026-04-17T17:03:55Z As a mega subscriber I’m quite glad you can’t :wink: --- ## Post 47 by @anon93307265 — 2026-04-17T22:59:46Z I’m trying out [mailbox.org](http://mailbox.org) right now, and they’re working on a drive as well. --- ## Post 48 by @anonymous595 — 2026-05-06T16:04:51Z I found out that Proton paywalls basic security features in StandardNotes > **See screenshot** > > ![ad859ab9-808f-4f23-a86d-2824efb59386](https://forum-uploads.privacyguidesusercontent.com/original/3X/a/c/ac06b9855751316b41f2eee300d598c138cec01e.jpeg) Standard notes paywalled Yubikey auth. I think paywalling security features is **unacceptable** for security oriented product. --- ## Post 49 by @ph00lt0 — 2026-05-06T16:06:49Z i must agree that is bad. --- ## Post 50 by @anonymous595 — 2026-05-09T20:39:27Z UPD: Proton don’t support “open” censorship resistant protocols for VPN (like X-Ray) that will allow to set up censorship circumvention on devices like routers… It is not a huge problem, by they because of some reason created Proton Stealth that tied to apps instead of using widespread X-Ray or Reality (etc) protocols --- ## Post 51 by @asd99898h4 — 2026-05-09T21:40:58Z > UPD: Proton don’t support “open” censorship resistant protocols for VPN (like X-Ray) that will allow to set up censorship circumvention on devices like routers… > > It is not a huge problem, by they because of some reason created Proton Stealth that tied to apps instead of using widespread X-Ray or Reality (etc) protocols proton feels more and more like silicon valley’s version of “privacy for normies” now. i don’t truly believe they value “privacy” anymore. their onion site routes you to their clearnet site when registering. they require extra authentication if you use a vpn or tor when signing up. they don’t officially accept monero. I can go on and on, especially when you get into their products proton is very much privacy with a big compromise as their primary focus is to becoming a paid replacement to google. that is who they want to become --- ## Post 52 by @seize — 2026-05-09T22:42:15Z > [@asd99898h4](#): > > their onion site routes you to their clearnet site when registering. I would like to hear how this happened for you, because ~~personally I could not replicate this.~~ Registration for a Proton Account via their onion site did not at any point redirect me to their clearnet site. Edit: If you were referencing Proton requiring “Human verification” via email I believe I understand the issue now. Notably I did this initial onion site registration test for Proton via Braves “Tor Private window” feature[[1]](#footnote-153414-1) as that is what I had on hand and it did not require “Human verification” but later testing of proper Tor did require it. see also: [Protonmail blocks anonymous signup - alternatives? - #4 by ActivistChecklist.org](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/protonmail-blocks-anonymous-signup-alternatives/37045/4) * * * 1. I wouldn’t recommend anyone actually use this feature for anything actually sensitive, but for an initial test like this and since I had it on hand I felt it was fine [↩︎](#footnote-ref-153414-1)