Proton Leaves Switzerland
5 hours ago
- #Swiss Politics
- #Privacy
- #Tech Regulation
- Proton CEO Andy Yen criticizes the Swiss government's proposed revision of the Vüpf (Post and Telecommunications Surveillance Act), which would require companies like Proton to identify users, collect metadata, and store location and contact information.
- The revised Vüpf would expand the powers of law enforcement, requiring more companies to cooperate closely with authorities, which Proton and others argue is disproportionate and undermines privacy.
- Proton has begun moving its infrastructure out of Switzerland to Germany and Norway to avoid compliance with the revised Vüpf, citing concerns over mass surveillance and privacy violations.
- The Swiss political parties, including SVP, FDP, GLP, SP, and Greens, oppose the revised Vüpf, calling it excessive and beyond legal frameworks, with fears it could harm Switzerland's tech industry.
- Proton argues that the revised Vüpf would create a backdoor for law enforcement to access user data without sufficient oversight, comparing it to a police state and emphasizing the importance of privacy in democracy.
- The company highlights the sensitivity of metadata, which can reveal extensive details about individuals' lives, and criticizes the Swiss government for allowing police to influence legislation.
- Proton employs measures to combat criminal use of its platform, such as monitoring patterns and darknet activity, but acknowledges the challenge of completely eliminating illegal use.
- Proton operates as a non-profit foundation to prioritize its mission of privacy and freedom over profit, despite potential business advantages elsewhere.