<p>We propose a novel theoretical framework in which proton decay is induced by the dark matter. While proton decay requires violation of the <i>B</i> + <i>L</i> symmetry, dark matter stability often relies on the presence of an unbroken symmetry. These seemingly distinct phenomena are unified through the global U(1)_{<i>B</i>+<i>L</i>} symmetry inherent in the Standard Model. Its spontaneous breaking leads to a residual <i>Z</i>₄ symmetry, which ensures dark matter stability and forbids proton decay at tree level. Consequently, proton decay occurs at the one-loop level, mediated by dark sector particles. The proton lifetime is linked with the dark matter, the heavier dark matter mass enhancing proton stability, and vice versa. The <InlineEquation ID="IEq1"> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math display="inline"> <mi mathvariant="script">O</mi> <mfenced close=")" open="("> <mi>TeV</mi> </mfenced> </math></EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="TEX">\( \mathcal{O}\left(\textrm{TeV}\right) \)</EquationSource> </InlineEquation> masses of the mediators remain consistent with current proton lifetime limits, making them accessible to experimental searches. In particular, the leptoquark mediating proton decay, carrying exotic <i>B</i> + <i>L</i> charges, leads to a distinctive signature in collider searches. By intertwining proton decay, dark matter stability, and collider phenomenology, this framework offers distinctive signatures that can be probed in current and future experiments.</p>