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Expect the mainstream news to be mentioning a new email service that promises freedom from NSA snooping.

While not much can be done to protect your privacy while using your cell phone, there seems to be hope with regard to emails. There is a new startup email service that will keep the NSA from reading your secret plans for world domination, unless you are paid, $1 billion dollars. [Places pinky on lip]

I was speaking with my Swiss banker, Jürgen, concerned that my emails directing him to which offshore accounts I wanted some of my money distributed, might be intercepted. He told me that it was no longer necessary for me to fly the Lear Jet to Switzerland in order to give him instructions without prying eyes of government agencies looking on.

ProtonMail was founded in summer 2013 at CERN by scientists/programmers who were drawn together by a shared vision of a more secure and private Internet. Early ProtonMail hackathons were held at the famous CERN Restaurant One. ProtonMail is developed both at CERN and MIT and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. They were semifinalists in 2014 MIT 100K startup launch competition and are advised by the MIT Venture Mentoring Service.

The service boasts the following:

• ProtonMail is incorporated in Switzerland and their servers are located in Switzerland. They are outside of US and EU jurisdiction and all user data is protected by strict Swiss privacy laws.
• Because of their end-to-end encryption, your data is already encrypted by the time it reaches their servers. They have no access to your messages, and since they cannot decrypt them, they cannot share them with third parties.
• ProtonMail works out of any modern web browser, there is nothing to install. They are also backwards compatible with other email providers so you can continue sending and receiving emails from friends who are not using ProtonMail.
• They do not log IP addresses or require any personal information to sign up. They accept bitcoin and cash payments for paid accounts to ensure even paid account users have complete privacy. (Paypal is also accepted)
• ProtonMail works on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It’s as simple as visiting their site and logging in. There are no plugins or apps to install – simply use your favorite web browser.
• They believe privacy is a fundamental human right and should be available for everyone. They offer multi-tiered pricing including a free version that anyone can use.

THE BAD NEWS

Currently, ProtonMail is still in beta and in an effort to raise funds to purchase more servers the developers are giving priority to those who are paying for the service, though they are receiving outside funding and expect more free accounts to be offered soon.

Though the service is up and running their servers are at full capacity. They are creating a waiting list and as new servers come online and space becomes available they will send an email invitation, but you must first register to receive an invitation (registration is free).