Proton Raises Over $1 Million for Digital Rights in Record-Breaking Lifetime Account Fundraiser

Proton, the Swiss-based privacy-focused email technology company, has announced the results of its 2024 Lifetime Account Charity Fundraiser, revealing that it raised over $1 million to support organisations advocating for online privacy, freedom of expression, and human rights. This marks the most successful iteration of the annual fundraiser since its inception in 2018, bringing Proton’s total charitable contributions to over $4 million.

Fundraiser Overview

The fundraiser operates as a raffle, offering participants the chance to win one of Proton’s exclusive Lifetime Accounts—comprehensive access to all current and future Proton services with the highest storage limits and priority support. In 2024, over 90,000 tickets were sold to more than 43,000 participants, generating $927,470. Proton supplemented this with an additional $150,000 donation, culminating in a total of $1,077,470 raised. Winners were announced on January 6, 2025, with ten individuals receiving Lifetime Accounts and exclusive supporter packages. An additional Lifetime Account was awarded to a randomly selected social media follower.

Beneficiary Organisations

The funds raised are being distributed among ten organisations selected by the Proton community, including:

• Free Press Unlimited
• Nothing2Hide
• Ada Lovelace Institute
• Law for Change
• Free Software Foundation Europe
• Open Data Institute
• Freedom House
• OpenStreetMap Foundation
• Ladybird Browser Initiative
• Tech Oversight Project

These organisations work across various domains, from protecting journalists and promoting digital rights to developing open-source software and advocating for data transparency.

Introduction of the Proton Innovation Fund

In a new development, Proton has allocated $200,000 to establish the Proton Innovation Fund, administered by the non-profit Proton Foundation. This fund will award four grants of $50,000 each to individuals or groups working on projects that enhance online privacy, security, or freedom. An open call for applications is expected later in 2025.

Context and Industry Implications

Proton’s commitment to privacy and digital rights aligns with its broader mission to create an internet that serves users rather than corporations. The company’s transition towards a non-profit structure in 2024, with the Proton Foundation becoming its primary shareholder, underscores this dedication. This structure aims to ensure that Proton’s mission remains focused on user privacy and freedom, rather than profit.

In the context of the email industry, Proton’s initiatives highlight a growing trend among service providers to support digital rights and privacy-focused causes. By leveraging its platform and community, Proton not only promotes its services but also contributes to the broader ecosystem advocating for a more open and secure internet.

Significance for the Email Industry

For stakeholders in the email industry, Proton’s approach demonstrates how companies can integrate social responsibility into their business models. By engaging users in charitable initiatives and supporting organisations that align with their core values, email service providers can foster community trust and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Moreover, such initiatives can inspire innovation and collaboration across the industry, promoting the development of tools and policies that prioritise user privacy and digital rights.

Proton’s 2024 fundraiser exemplifies how email service providers can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital communication, not only through technological advancements but also by championing the principles of privacy, freedom, and user empowerment.