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Write to the Board of Trustees to ask for change
(sh.itjust.works)
Already did. Here's what I wrote, feel free to use it for inspiration.
Hi Proton Foundation Team,
I’ve been a Proton customer since 2022 on the Unlimited plan and the free tier for some years before that. I’m writing because I really believe in your mission, people before profits, and I want to stay a customer. But I’m getting pretty worried about what’s going on internally, specifically regarding Andy Yen's leadership.
Recent reporting ([the 404 Media piece](https://www.404media.co/manifestos-fear-and-loser-thinking-inside-protons-ai-reckoning/ "the 404 Media piece")) describes a pretty toxic environment: employees being called "losers," tracking software to monitor AI usage, and pressure to use AI even when security teams have concerns. If the culture is punishing people for raising red flags, that feels like a huge risk for a privacy company.
Beyond the immediate morale issues, I’m concerned this atmosphere will repel top engineering and product management talent. The best security experts and PMs won’t stick around where they’re treated poorly or where their warnings are ignored. And if there’s a casual attitude toward essential safeguards like penetration testing just to move faster on AI, that’s a direct threat to the product’s integrity.
This is exactly why your oversight role exists. As the non-profit shareholder tasked with ensuring Proton never deviates from its mission, I need to know you’re stepping in. Can you clarify how you’re handling these concerns? Specifically:
* How is AI-generated code being reviewed for security if engineers are afraid to speak up?
* What’s the Foundation doing about the reported bullying and fear tactics?
* Are you monitoring how this culture affects talent retention and security rigor?
I’m not looking for a PR spin, just some transparency. I trust the mission, but I’m starting to doubt the execution.
Thanks for listening,
