Overview:

ProtonMail's email alias feature is a powerful tool for managing multiple identities and organizing incoming emails. However, currently, the forwarding functionality is limited to a single recipient per alias. To enhance collaboration and streamline communication within teams or departments, we propose the implementation of multi-recipient email forwarding for ProtonMail aliases. Additionally, recipients should have the option to choose whether they accept receiving emails forwarded to a specific alias.

Feature Description:

This feature allows ProtonMail users, particularly those within shared vaults, to designate multiple recipients for emails forwarded to a specific alias. When an email is sent to the alias, it will be automatically forwarded to all designated recipients, ensuring that relevant team members or departments receive the communication simultaneously. Recipients have the option to accept or decline receiving emails forwarded to the alias, providing flexibility and control over their inbox.

Key Components:

1. Alias Configuration Interface: Within the Proton Mail/Proton Pass settings, users can access the alias configuration interface. Users with appropriate permissions, such as vault owners or editors in shared vaults, can manage alias settings.
2. Add Multiple Recipients: Users can add multiple email addresses as recipients for a specific alias. Recipients can be individual ProtonMail accounts or external email addresses.
3. Recipient Management: Users can easily manage the list of recipients associated with each alias. Options include adding, removing, and editing recipient email addresses.
4. Forwarding Rules: Users can set up forwarding rules for aliases, specifying whether emails should be forwarded to all recipients or only to select individuals based on predefined criteria.
5. Recipient Acceptance Option: Recipients of forwarded emails have the option to accept or decline receiving emails forwarded to the alias. Accepted recipients will receive forwarded emails in their inbox, while declined recipients will not.
6. Permissions and Access Control: Permissions for managing alias forwarding are tied to vault roles within shared vaults. Vault owners and editors have the authority to configure alias forwarding settings, while members have view-only access.

Benefits:

1. Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates seamless communication within teams and departments by ensuring that relevant stakeholders receive important emails simultaneously.
2. Flexibility and Control: Recipients have the option to accept or decline receiving emails forwarded to a specific alias, providing greater control over their inbox and reducing unwanted communications.
3. Streamlined Workflow: Reduces the need for manual forwarding of emails to multiple recipients, saving time and minimizing the risk of oversight or missed communications.
4. Improved Efficiency: Enables teams to work more efficiently by centralizing incoming communications and ensuring that messages reach all necessary recipients without delay.

Implementation Considerations:

1. User Interface Design: The alias configuration interface should be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to easily manage forwarding settings for aliases.
2. Scalability: The feature should be designed to accommodate varying team sizes, from small groups to large departments, without compromising performance or usability.
3. Security and Privacy: Measures should be in place to protect the confidentiality of forwarded emails and ensure compliance with privacy regulations, such as end-to-end encryption and access controls.
4. Feedback Mechanism: Provisions should be made for users to provide feedback on the feature, allowing for continuous improvement based on user experiences and preferences.

Conclusion:

Multi-recipient email forwarding with optional acceptance for ProtonMail aliases is a valuable addition that enhances collaboration, provides flexibility and control over inbox management, and streamlines communication within shared vaults. By empowering users to designate multiple recipients for aliases and choose whether to accept forwarded emails, this feature promotes effective teamwork and efficient communication workflows in both professional and personal settings.