Welcome to the Proton VPN service. These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legal agreement between you and Proton AG ("we", "our", or "Proton") regarding your use of the Proton VPN service ("Service"). Please read these terms carefully. By registering for or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Service Description
1.1 Service Scope
Proton VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that protects users' internet traffic privacy and security through encrypted tunnel technology. Our services include:
- Encrypted VPN connections through a global server network
- Multiple VPN protocol support (WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth, WireGuard (TCP))
- Secure Core multi-hop routing architecture (paid plans)
- NetShield DNS-level content filtering (paid plans)
- Cross-platform client applications (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, etc.)
- Technical support and customer service
1.2 Service Plans
We offer the following service plans:
- Free: Basic VPN features, servers in 3 countries, 1 simultaneous device connection.
- Plus: Full VPN features, servers in 112 countries, 10 simultaneous device connections.
- Unlimited: Everything in Plus, plus full Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar services.
1.3 Service Changes
We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or terminate part or all of the service at any time. For significant changes, we will notify you 30 days in advance through in-app notifications or email. If we terminate the service, paid users will be entitled to a pro-rata refund.
2. Account Responsibilities
2.1 Account Registration
To use our services, you need to create a Proton account. By registering, you agree to:
- Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date registration information
- Maintain the security of your account password and not share account credentials with others
- Accept full responsibility for all activities conducted through your account
- Notify us immediately upon discovering any unauthorized access to your account
- Each natural person may register only one free account
2.2 Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account. We recommend:
- Using a strong password (at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters)
- Using different passwords for each online service
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for an additional security layer
- Not saving login credentials on public devices
- Regularly updating your password
2.3 Account Termination
You may delete your account at any time through account settings. We may suspend or terminate your account in the following circumstances:
- Violation of any provision of these Terms of Service
- Using the service for illegal activities
- Abusing or excessively using service resources
- Prolonged account inactivity (no login for over 12 months)
- As required by law
After account termination, your data and content will be permanently deleted within 30 days, unless we are required by law to retain it longer.
3. Usage Restrictions
3.1 Prohibited Conduct
When using Proton VPN services, you agree not to engage in the following:
- Illegal activities: Using the service for any activity that violates applicable laws, including but not limited to cyberattacks, malware distribution, phishing, identity theft, or unauthorized computer access.
- Intellectual property infringement: Using the service to download, distribute, or propagate content that infringes others' copyrights, trademarks, patents, or other intellectual property rights. Note that due to our no-logs policy, we do not proactively monitor user network activity.
- Service abuse: Conducting automated scanning, brute-force attacks, DDoS attacks, or other forms of service abuse. Using automated tools to mass-scrape website content.
- Spam: Using the service to send unsolicited bulk commercial emails or other spam.
- Circumventing restrictions: Attempting to circumvent our security measures, server limits, or account restrictions, including but not limited to account sharing, using automated tools to create multiple accounts, etc.
- Reverse engineering: Reverse engineering, decompiling, or disassembling our applications or services, except that open source components are governed by their respective open source licenses.
- Reselling services: Unauthorized resale or redistribution of our services.
3.2 Fair Use Policy
We are committed to providing fair service to all users. While we do not set hard traffic limits, the following may be considered unreasonable use:
- Continuous 24/7 high-volume data transfers clearly exceeding normal usage
- Using the service to run servers or host content
- Using automated scripts or bots for mass data transfers
If we detect unreasonable use, we may contact you to discuss solutions or, in severe cases, restrict your account.
3.3 Legal Compliance
You agree to comply with all applicable laws in the jurisdiction where you use the service. We are not responsible for your violations of local laws when using the service. In some countries or regions, VPN use may be legally restricted or prohibited, and you are responsible for understanding and complying with local laws.
4. Payment & Refunds
4.1 Pricing
Our service pricing is available on the Pricing page. All prices are listed in USD. We reserve the right to adjust pricing, but for existing subscribers, price changes will take effect after the current billing cycle ends.
4.2 Payment Methods
We accept the following payment methods: credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), and bank transfer. All payments are prepaid.
4.3 Auto-Renewal
Paid subscriptions are set to auto-renew by default. Before each renewal date, we will notify you by email. You can disable auto-renewal at any time in your account settings. Once disabled, your subscription will end at the close of the current billing cycle.
4.4 Refund Policy
We offer the following refund guarantee:
- 30-day money-back guarantee: First-time paid plan subscribers can request a full refund within 30 days of subscribing.
- Refund limit: Each account may use the money-back guarantee only once. Renewals are not eligible for the refund guarantee.
- Refund method: Refunds will be returned to your original payment method. Cryptocurrency refunds will be processed in cryptocurrency at the exchange rate on the refund date.
- Processing time: Refunds will be processed within 5-10 business days after approval.
4.5 Late Payment
If auto-renewal fails, we will attempt to re-charge within 7 days. If the retry fails, your paid features will be suspended and your account will be downgraded to the free plan. If payment remains unsuccessful after 30 days, the subscription will be canceled.
5. Intellectual Property
5.1 Our Rights
The intellectual property rights of the Proton VPN service (including but not limited to software, applications, design, trademarks, logos, documentation, and website content) are owned by Proton AG or its licensors. These Terms do not grant you any rights to our intellectual property, only a limited license to use the service in accordance with these Terms.
5.2 Open Source Software
Many of our applications are open source, governed by the GNU General Public License (GPLv3) or other open source licenses. Use of open source components is governed by their respective license terms. You are free to view, modify, and distribute open source code, subject to compliance with the applicable license requirements.
5.3 User Feedback
If you provide feedback, suggestions, or comments about the service, you grant us a free, irrevocable, worldwide license to use, modify, and implement this feedback to improve our services without any compensation to you.
6. Disclaimers
6.1 "As Is" Provision
Proton VPN services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we make no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
6.2 No Guarantee of Absolute Security
While we have implemented industry-leading security measures to protect your privacy and data, no internet transmission or electronic storage method is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we will continuously work to maintain and improve our security standards.
6.3 Service Interruptions
We do not guarantee that the service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free. Service interruptions may occur due to scheduled maintenance, technical failures, or other causes. We will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice of scheduled maintenance and restore service as quickly as possible during interruptions.
6.4 Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Proton AG and its affiliates, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for:
- Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from use or inability to use the service
- Data loss, business interruption, or loss of profits
- Service interruptions or data breaches caused by third-party actions
- Service interruptions caused by force majeure events
Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid for the service in the past 12 months.
7. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
7.1 Applicable Law
These Terms are governed by Swiss federal law, excluding its conflict of law principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) does not apply.
7.2 Jurisdiction
Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms shall be submitted to the competent courts of the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. Both parties agree to accept the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Canton of Geneva.
7.3 Dispute Resolution
Before initiating legal proceedings, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve disputes through friendly negotiation. If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms or the service, please first contact our customer support team through the Help Center.
7.4 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the extent permitted by law to best reflect the original intent of both parties, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
7.5 Entire Agreement
These Terms (together with the Privacy Policy) constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the use of the service, superseding any prior oral or written agreements, representations, or commitments.
7.6 Terms Updates
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Significant changes will be notified to you 30 days in advance through in-app notifications or email. Continued use of the service indicates your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree with the updated Terms, you may stop using the service and delete your account.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
Proton AG
Route de la Galaise 32
1228 Plan-les-Ouates
Geneva, Switzerland
Email: legal@proton.me