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Is Proton Mail GDPR-safe?
Partly: read the fine print
Proton Mail is a vendor in a country with an EU adequacy decision, but we have not been able to confirm EU data storage as standard. Check where data is actually processed before you put personal data in the tool.
Facts that decide
| Vendor jurisdiction | EU-approved third country (Proton) |
|---|---|
| EU data storage | No |
| GDPR terms / DPA | Stated to be available, verify in your contract |
| Certifications | ISO 27001, SOC 2 |
| Category | Secure email |
How to use it more safely
- Sign a data processing agreement (DPA) if personal data is processed.
- Never enter national IDs or sensitive data, especially here where data leaves the EU.
- Check the vendor's sub-processors: AI features often forward data.
- Read our GDPR guide for small businesses for the full picture.
Common questions
Does Proton Mail store data inside the EU?
No, Proton Mail has no confirmed EU data storage: data is processed in a third country.
Is Proton Mail covered by the CLOUD Act?
No, Proton Mail is based in a country outside the EU that the European Commission has approved for data transfers (adequacy decision under GDPR Art. 45), and it is not covered by the CLOUD Act through its owner.
What is needed to use Proton Mail in a GDPR-safe way?
Sign a data processing agreement (DPA) if the tool processes personal data on your behalf, minimise the personal data you feed in, and check the vendor's sub-processors. See our DPA guide for the steps.
Our assessment is based on verified data about vendor, storage and certifications (2026). GDPR compliance also depends on how you use the tool. This is guidance, not legal advice. See How we review.