Proton is transitioning towards a non-profit structure | Proton
proton.me
To ensure our mission always comes first, Proton is transitioning to a non-profit structure and formalizing our promise of people before profits.
  • Vent@lemm.eeEnglish
    0·
    15 days ago

    So they’re adopting a similar structure to OpenAI, a for-profit company majority controlled by a non-profit organization.

    • Jimbabwe@lemmy.worldEnglish
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      15 days ago

      Similar structure, yes, but this is the important part:

      Swiss foundations and their board of trustees are legally obligated to act in accordance with the purpose for which they were established

      So, just like the Louvre museum in Paris and the Luxor casino in Las Vegas have similar structures, pointing this out doesn’t really contribute much to the discussion.

      For all I know, OpenAI’s purpose is to create Skynet and kill all humans. But Proton’s is:

      Our legally binding purpose is to further the advancement of privacy, freedom, and democracy around the world.

  • kitnaht@lemmy.worldEnglish
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    15 days ago

    Really wish they transitioned to a “Not-for-profit” structure, rather than non-profit. Non-profits can still be profit driven, sadly.

    • Infynis@midwest.socialEnglish
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      15 days ago

      They specifically chose non-profit because it allows them to remain profit driven, and continue to run the company as they have. The non-profit is the main shareholder now, and required by law to act in the interest of its founding principles. They basically did this for PR, because now, working in their customers’ best interests is mandatory, and they are protected against hostile takeovers

      • lemmyvore@feddit.nlEnglish
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        15 days ago

        Weren’t they protected before? Afaik their major shareholder was the Swiss government.

  • Emoba@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
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    15 days ago

    I really thought this was about the DirectX compatibility layer for Linux and was hopelessly lost until a dozen sentences in.