Infomaniak bolsters opposition against Proton concerning the disputed Swiss surveillance law in the field of cloud services.

Whipping Up a Controversy: Infomaniak Slams Proton for Resisting Swiz Privacy Crackdown

Swiz cloud service, Infomaniak, has taken privacy firm Proton to task over the latter's opposition to a contentious revision to the Swiss surveillance law. The amendment would make messaging apps, social networks, and VPN services like Proton and NymVPN share and store user data.

Proton, a top-tier VPN and secure email provider, and NymVPN, both based in Swiz, have threatened to ditch the country if the new law passes, given its potential to undermine their privacy promise.

Infomaniak's Communication Manager, Thomas Jacobsen, during a heated RTS debate accused Proton and similar privacy advocates of impeding justice. Jacobsen argued that offering free VPN and email services allows anyone to evade law enforcement efforts. He hinted that the criticism may result from the new rules potentially dismantling their business model.

New data retention regulations may force an exit of no-log VPN providers like Proton VPN, Proton Mail, NymVPN, and Threema from Swiz. While Jacobsen agrees that metadata tracking can reveal sensitive information, he favors a legal framework with mandatory judicial oversight to protect privacy.

A Game of Cats and Mouses

In statements to our platform, NymVPN's COO, Alexis Roussel, defended the company's stance on metadata collection. Roussel contended that metadata surveillance undermines democratic values and leads to a power imbalance, granting the government unrestricted access to citizens' data.

Under the proposed law, Roussel explains, surveillance would be preemptive, with providers required to store data in anticipation of potential investigations. He argues that this obligation to store user data for future investigations is intrusive and poses a war on anonymity in Swiz.

Public consultations on the revised law concluded on May 6, 2025, with the Swiss government yet to announce its decision. Regardless, Roussel has revealed significant pushback from political parties and domestic companies against the proposed law changes.

Cantons such as Geneva have already questioned the compatibility of the regulations with the right to digital integrity, citing Roussel's initiative enshrining this right in Geneva and Neuchâtel. Roussel remains hopeful that the ordinance will either be overturned in the parliament or the courts.

Dancing to a Different Tune

Unlike Proton, Infomaniak supports the current law revision, asserting the importance of striking a balance between privacy and justice. Infomaniak offers secure online services like web hosting, cloud storage, and encrypted email, but opposes total online anonymity.

There's a fine line between privacy and anonymity, with Infomaniak insisting that metadata privacy is crucial. Despite this stance, Infomaniak objects to the current form of the revision, advocating for a transparent debate, better regulation, and judicial oversight.

Privacy is no laughing matter, with threats looming overhead. The AI-fueled era demands stricter privacy measures, and answers must be transparent and well-reasoned to avoid unchecked surveillance under the guise of security. As we await the government's decision, the Swiss privacy industry remains divided, and time is ticking.

Bonus Tidbits

The BÜPF and associated VÜPF regulations are currently under revision. Final government findings are yet to be announced after the May 6, 2025, consultation period.
The proposed revisions would grant Swiz authorities sweeping powers over digital communications, requiring VPN services, messaging apps, and email providers to share user data, among other things.
Major VPN providers, including Proton and NymVPN, may relocate if the revision is enacted, given their commitment to no-log policies and user privacy.
In the midst of the ongoing policy debate, Infomaniak, a leading provider of secure cloud services, stands in contrast to Proton and NymVPN, who have threatened to leave Switzerland due to proposed data retention regulations in the Swiz surveillance law.
The Executive Director of NymVPN, Alexis Roussel, criticizes the proposed mandatory user data storage, stating it would erode democratic values and foster an imbalance of power between citizens and the government.
As the final decision on the revised BÜPF and VÜPF regulations awaits, it is clear that the Swiss technology sector is deeply divided on the issue, with Infomaniak advocating for a balanced approach to privacy and justice, while Proton and NymVPN prioritize user anonymity.