Vivaldi, the Norway-based customizable browser, has partnered with Proton to integrate Proton VPN directly into its latest version. This provides users with built-in secure and privacy-focused VPN access without requiring separate downloads.
Proton, the Swiss company renowned for its encrypted email service, Proton Mail, offers end-to-end encrypted services for privacy-conscious consumers and professionals. This collaboration between two European companies represents a growing trend of providing alternatives to large tech companies. Vivaldi CEO Jon von Tetzchner stated in a recent blog post:
“We’re both European companies, proudly outside the orbit of Silicon Valley’s extractive playbook or China’s state-driven oversight. We don’t believe your personal data should be a bargaining chip.”
Von Tetzchner further observes a growing user awareness and prioritization of privacy over participation in data-exploitative tech monopolies. For users who value their privacy, Vivaldi is a compelling browser alternative.
Unlike Google Chrome, which collects and monetizes user data, Vivaldi pledges to collect no user data. Your information remains stored locally on your device within an encrypted folder inaccessible to Vivaldi.
This raises the question of why share your data with Google at all? While some argue that sharing data is a form of payment for “free” services like Gmail, privacy-focused alternatives like Vivaldi and Proton Mail demonstrate that privacy doesn’t have to come at a cost.
Some users find the data-for-service exchange acceptable, others don’t. However, with free privacy-focused browsers readily available, choosing to enrich Google with your data offers no tangible personal benefit. Prioritizing your privacy becomes a clear and viable option.
Beyond enhanced privacy, Vivaldi offers a range of attractive customization features. For those exploring different options, numerous other Google Chrome alternatives are also available.
