Proton Halts Swiss Investment Over Privacy Concerns

Major tech company freezes investments in Switzerland citing surveillance concerns, highlighting tension between privacy and security.

Proton, founded by three CERN scientists, is a Geneva-based encrypted email provider
Proton will freeze investments in Switzerland due to surveillance concerns
The company plans to move its AI data centers to Germany and Norway
Proton plans EUR 1 billion European expansion by 2030

100 million

CHF investment planned for AI systems under brand Lumo

900 million

CHF potential investment in Geneva if regulatory environment remains favorable

1 billion

CHF planned European expansion by 2030

"If the proposals pass, Proton's services in Switzerland would be less private than Google's"
— Andy Yen, Proton CEO

"I never like it when companies try to pressure Switzerland or its people with money"
— Samuel Bendahan, Socialist member of parliament

Privacy Clash Leads to Investment Freeze