Proton Threatens to Leave Switzerland Over Surveillance Bill

By Netvora Tech News

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Proton, the popular email and VPN provider, is once again threatening to leave Switzerland if a proposed bill to amend the country's surveillance laws is passed. The bill would require VPN, chat, and social media service providers to store user data and identify them, a move Proton CEO Andy Yen deems a clear violation of the right to privacy. "This amendment is trying to implement something that has been deemed illegal in the European Union and the United States," Yen told Radio Télévision Suisse. "The only country in Europe with similar legislation is Russia." He believes that if the bill is passed, Proton would have no choice but to leave Switzerland, as the law would essentially become identical to Russia's. Yen described the situation as unsustainable. On Proton's own website, the company currently states that it is based in Switzerland and therefore benefits from one of the world's strongest privacy laws. However, if the amendment is implemented, that would change dramatically. "We would be less trusted in Switzerland than Google is in the United States," Yen said, emphasizing that such a situation would be impossible for Proton's business model. Yen made similar statements last month to the Swiss newspaper Der Bund, stating that Proton would leave Switzerland if the planned amendment to the law took effect. "We feel compelled to leave Switzerland if the planned amendment to the law comes into effect. Under no circumstances can we comply with this law." The Proton CEO also warned that Switzerland would lose its competitive edge as a business location if the law is introduced. Additionally, he criticized the country's intelligence agencies, which he believes are seeking more power without a valid reason. Proton's threat to leave Switzerland is the latest development in the company's long-standing commitment to protecting user privacy. The company has been vocal about its opposition to surveillance laws and has taken steps to safeguard its users' data.