Proton Threatens Swiss Exit Over Surveillance Law

Encrypted email service provider warns it may leave Switzerland if proposed data surveillance laws requiring user identification are implemented.

Proton, an encrypted email service, threatens to leave Switzerland over proposed surveillance laws
The proposed law would require encrypted messaging services to identify and retain user data
Proton currently has 100 million users
The law changes would affect services including Threema, WhatsApp, and Proton

100 million

Proton users globally

"This is clearly a major violation of the right to privacy"
— Andy Yen, Proton founder

"I think we would have no choice but to leave Switzerland"
— Andy Yen, Proton founder

Privacy Battle Erupts

Proton, an encrypted email service, threatens to leave Switzerland over proposed surveillance laws
The proposed law would require encrypted messaging services to identify and retain user data
Proton currently has 100 million users
The law changes would affect services including Threema, WhatsApp, and Proton

100 million

Proton users globally

"This is clearly a major violation of the right to privacy"
— Andy Yen, Proton founder

"I think we would have no choice but to leave Switzerland"
— Andy Yen, Proton founder