It’s also worth pointing out the fact that they offer free services; most likely, your data is their real product. That’s to be expected with, say, a social media platform, but a VPN? That is a HUGE security threat. I’m just waiting for the proton security leak. The amount of sketchy data will be choice.
No. They’re a non profit with a specific mission to further the enhancement of provacy. Under Swiss law they’re legally obligated to adhere to this. Which means they can’t collect user data willy nilly and sell it.
Also, it wouldn’t make sense for a non-profit organization to profit from selling user data.
Non-profits make profit all the time. The key difference between a for-profit and a non-profit is that a for-profit company takes that money and gives it to its owners, and a non-profit is legally required to reinvest that money in its organization or missions.
Of course, non-profits can also do shitty things like nepo hires with vastly inflated salaries, throw parties and extravagant galas for “fundraising” and spent almost nothing on the charity aspect.
This is why lots of rich fucks setup their own “philanthropy” organizations. They can dump their wealth into tax free and pay themselves and their heirs ungodly sums while paying for villas/jets/etc from the untaxed non-profit.
It’s also worth pointing out the fact that they offer free services; most likely, your data is their real product. That’s to be expected with, say, a social media platform, but a VPN? That is a HUGE security threat. I’m just waiting for the proton security leak. The amount of sketchy data will be choice.
Proton’s revenue comes from paid subscriptions.
No. They’re a non profit with a specific mission to further the enhancement of provacy. Under Swiss law they’re legally obligated to adhere to this. Which means they can’t collect user data willy nilly and sell it.
Also, it wouldn’t make sense for a non-profit organization to profit from selling user data.
Non-profits make profit all the time. The key difference between a for-profit and a non-profit is that a for-profit company takes that money and gives it to its owners, and a non-profit is legally required to reinvest that money in its organization or missions.
Of course, non-profits can also do shitty things like nepo hires with vastly inflated salaries, throw parties and extravagant galas for “fundraising” and spent almost nothing on the charity aspect.
This is why lots of rich fucks setup their own “philanthropy” organizations. They can dump their wealth into tax free and pay themselves and their heirs ungodly sums while paying for villas/jets/etc from the untaxed non-profit.
How about you go read about the foundation before making any judgements.
https://proton.me/foundation
I’m well aware of the foundation, and the fact that they have left him on the board with zero consequences or controls.
Stating your ethics and then not enforcing them makes the statement pointless.