Proton VPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, a Swiss technology company renowned for its commitment to privacy and security. Established in 2014, Proton AG has expanded its suite of services to include Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and SimpleLogin.
Who Owns Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is owned and operated by Proton Technologies AG, a company founded by a group of scientists and engineers who met at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is led by a team of experts in privacy, security, and technology.
The Founders of Proton VPN
The founders of Proton VPN are the same team behind Proton Mail. They include:
- Andy Yen: A physicist and the CEO of Proton Technologies AG. Andy is a vocal advocate for online privacy and has been instrumental in shaping Proton’s mission to protect user data.
- Jason Stockman: A software engineer with a background in cryptography and security. Jason plays a key role in developing Proton’s privacy-focused technologies.
- Wei Sun: An engineer and entrepreneur who has contributed to the technical and operational aspects of Proton’s services.
These founders shared a common vision: to create tools that empower individuals to take control of their online privacy. Their work at CERN, where they collaborated on projects requiring high levels of data security, inspired them to launch Proton Mail in 2014 and later Proton VPN in 2017.
Ownership Structure of Proton AG
Proton AG is predominantly owned by the Proton Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting online security and privacy. This ownership model ensures that Proton AG’s services, including Proton VPN, remain aligned with the foundation’s mission to provide secure and private internet services to users worldwide.
Key Personnel at Proton AG
The leadership team at Proton AG comprises individuals with extensive experience in technology and cybersecurity:
- Andy Yen: Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Bart Butler: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Sir Tim Berners-Lee: Advisor
Their collective expertise guides Proton AG in developing and maintaining services that prioritize user privacy and security.
Proton AG’s Commitment to Privacy
Proton AG operates under Swiss jurisdiction, benefiting from the country’s robust privacy laws. This legal framework reinforces the company’s dedication to safeguarding user data and maintaining transparency in its operations.
Proton VPN’s Business Model
Proton VPN operates on a freemium model, which means it offers both free and paid plans. Here’s how it works:
- Free Plan: The free plan provides basic VPN features with no time limits, making it a great option for users who want to try the service or need basic privacy protection.
- Paid Plans: Proton VPN’s paid plans offer additional features, such as access to more servers, faster speeds, and advanced security tools. The revenue from paid plans helps support the development of the service and ensures that the free plan remains available.
Proton VPN’s business model reflects its commitment to accessibility and privacy. By offering a free plan, the company ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access online privacy tools.
Proton VPN’s Impact on the VPN Industry
Since its launch, Proton VPN has had a significant impact on the VPN industry. Here’s how:
- Raising Privacy Standards: Proton VPN has set a high standard for privacy and security, encouraging other VPN providers to improve their practices.
- Promoting Accessibility: By offering a free plan, Proton VPN has made privacy tools accessible to a wider audience.
- Advocating for Internet Freedom: Proton VPN actively supports initiatives that promote internet freedom and fight against censorship.
Conclusion
Proton VPN is owned and operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company committed to providing secure and private online services. With the Proton Foundation as its majority owner, Proton AG ensures that its services align with the mission of promoting online privacy and security for users globally.
