ProtonMail deletes 'we don't log your IP' from website after activist arrested (theregister.com)

Article summary

ProtonMail, an encrypted email service, has removed a claim from its website that it does not log IP addresses after it was revealed that the company had provided IP address and device information to Swiss authorities, leading to the arrest of a French climate activist. The company's privacy policy states that it can be compelled to log IP addresses as part of a Swiss criminal investigation. ProtonMail has clarified that it only logs IP addresses when legally required to do so. The incident has raised concerns about the company's transparency and trustworthiness.

Main themes

• ProtonMail controversy
• online privacy
• Swiss law
• email security
• transparency and trust
• alternative communication methods

What commenters say

• ProtonMail's removal of the 'no IP logging' claim from its website suggests that the company was being dishonest with its users.
• The company's actions are justified as it is required to comply with Swiss law and only logs IP addresses when legally compelled to do so.
• ProtonMail's marketing has been misleading, and the company has failed to be forthright and honest with users about the limitations of its privacy guarantees.
• Email is not a suitable medium for highly confidential communication due to the risk of metadata exposure.
• Users who require high levels of privacy and security should consider alternative communication methods, such as Matrix over Tor.
• ProtonMail's decision to log IP addresses in response to a legal request does not necessarily mean that the company has betrayed its users' trust.
• The incident highlights the importance of understanding the legal frameworks that govern online services and the potential risks of relying on claims of anonymity or privacy.