PANews reported on February 10 that according to The Block, privacy and security company Proton has launched a self-hosted Bitcoin wallet for all users on its iOS, Android and web platforms after launching an early access program. Proton Wallet allows users to buy, store and transfer Bitcoin, and integrates the functions of sending Bitcoin via email and enhancing security using existing infrastructure. The wallet is designed to make it easier for new users to start using Bitcoin and use it as a payment method that is not controlled by central institutions.

Proton Wallet was built with a focus on transparency and user control. As an open-source platform, it allows anyone to verify security claims and independently audit its functionality. Its self-custodial design gives users full control over their own encryption keys, ensuring that no one (not even Proton) can access their Bitcoin. The wallet also prioritizes privacy by encrypting private data on user devices as much as possible, and Bitcoin transactions and messages are end-to-end encrypted, so no one (including Proton) knows a user's transaction history or balance. If a user no longer has access to Proton, they can import funds into another Bitcoin wallet using a mnemonic phrase.

The company said last year that Proton Wallet would only support bitcoin at launch, but could integrate other currencies, including fiat, in the future based on user feedback.