TechRadar interviewed Proton CEO and founder Andy Yen during a press event at the company’s headquarters in Geneva in early October 2026. The conversation, published on The Privacy Lab YouTube channel, addresses the future of Proton, artificial intelligence and age verification, among other topics.
The interview followed a day of presentations about Proton’s products, including Proton VPN and Proton Mail. Yen also discussed the company’s non-profit ownership and its approach to developing products based on what its users want. Asked about a private browser reportedly suggested by a job listing, he did not confirm plans to develop one.
The interview is being published as Proton faces scrutiny over its internal approach to AI. Leaked messages reported last week described plans for some employees to “re-interview” with an emphasis on using AI in their roles. After criticism from employees and the digital privacy community, Yen posted an apology on the Proton subreddit on October 30. He said he took responsibility for communication failures, that AI use would not come at the expense of security, and that the re-interviews would not happen and would not cost anyone their job.
Proton CTO Bart Butler has also published an internal memo on the company’s use of AI, sent to employees earlier in October. TechRadar notes a contrast between Yen’s criticism of mainstream AI chatbots in the interview and Proton’s internal drive to expand the use of AI tools. The interview itself was recorded before the recent controversy and focuses on Yen’s views on privacy, AI and Proton’s future.
Sources: TechRadar.