this post was submitted on 18 Jan 2025
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Privacy

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andy1011000 Proton CEO posted:

“People honestly seem to forget that I live in Switzerland, where Republican/Democrat doesn’t mean anything, and Trump isn’t even on our ballot to be voted for…”

Onyx376. replied:

“The point is that fighting for a more just and equal society is not just about fighting for the fundamental right to privacy but also for all other fundamental rights, including individual rights and life. When you, as the CEO of a company that starts from these principles, nod positively to whatever action a political figure like Trump, who is known for always flagrantly putting his private interests ahead of those of his own nation, makes speeches about eliminating minorities, hurting their rights as citizens and flirting with Nazi movements, it is understandable that members of the privacy community are disappointed as this reveals a little about who is being the face of a company that should follow contrary principles. But now we really know what “freedom” means to you.”

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[–] [email protected] 119 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (2 children)

People honestly seem to forget that I live in Switzerland, where Republican/Democrat doesn’t mean anything

Yeah but Nazism does mean something in Switzerland. Nobody forgot that the Swiss weren't that uncomfortable working with the Nazis.

"I live in Switzerland" isn't a great defense when you're accused of licking an American fascist's boots.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Also very easy to post all that shit from the safety of the walled garden that is Switzerland. But if your product is anti-persecution tools, rising fascism is good for business.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)
[–] [email protected] 44 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I just signed up with proton and was strongly considering moving my Gmail account to their services. But this thing with their CEO is giving me great pause.

I guess it goes to show that no matter what, all ceos/rich people are simply out of touch and cannot be trusted. It is greatly disappointing.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I'm out of the loop. What happened?

[–] [email protected] 43 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Proton CEO turns out to be a far right nut that has a hard on for Trump and everyone that's paying for privacy (AKA their entire customer base) is pretty allergic to authoritarians.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I wouldn't bet on that. Just visit matrix if you want to see how many far right nutters there are who are also into privacy.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Now that you mention it, I read in several places how there were multiple active efforts to convert people on the left to the right through many ways.

E.g., "you care for the planet? Then less people is a good thing, then immigration is a bad thing." "You dislike government overreach? Then dismantling the federal government is a good thing." Etc.. Etc..

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Thank you for that insight.

Time to look for an alternative

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Point of order: not the CEO, a board member. Doesn't change a ton but worth noting.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 3 months ago

Having 88 (in binary) in your user name is highly suspicious, especially after takes like the one he recently dropped

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Time for a new CEO. Would be great is they went with a nonprofit board with explicit privacy/public good bylaws and at least 1 member elected from the user base... But that's pretty wishful thinking, huh...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

There's so many Andy bootlickers in that subreddit. I'm glad I quit Reddit.