Vivaldi and Proton VPN
A couple of days ago Vivaldi 7.3 brought with it small surprise: the inclusion of a new toolbar button that would set you up with a Proton VPN account (using your Vivaldi credentials). There was mixed reaction to this in the Fedi. Some lauded the inclusion of VPN from a known and trusted company, while others reacted in horror because of an incident that Proton's CEO, Andy Yen, was involved with in January of this year. where he seemingly publicly praised one President Donald Trump.
When hearing of the furore for the first time I asked for information and was provided a link that I read and quick-fire reacted to, but I knew I'd need to take a deeper look to settle the issue to my satisfaction.
Fedi, I don't think he's a Trump Supporter. If he's guilty of anything it's naivety. I'm not sure he sees the threat Trump or the GOP represent.
Have a read of Medium.com's piece analysing the situation. I agree with their points and certainly can't dispute their findings. Proton do seem to be Good Guys, folks who are on Our Side as much as they can be.
I think using Proton's email or VPN is fine IF you are using these services carefully, e.g. don't give Proton recovery email addresses that can then be used to reveal your identity. They do hand over data, although this is whatever metadata you've given them - your content is always secure, as advertised. Not ideal, but then what is in this crazy, complicated world? I'll also point out that they actively fight back against unlawful requests, and particularly any from the US.
I also don't think this is any reflection on Vivaldi the company or Browser, so I will be forcefully rejecting calls by anyone to boycott company or browser on this basis. Vivaldi simply need money, and this partnership is another way they're trying to keep themselves afloat.
Both companies have excellent, evidenced track records that speak to who they are. Both companies have excellent staffing, of the kind we on Fedi should at the very least have no issue with.
I personally will not be using Proton's VPN; I already have one I've been using since 2016, though I am shopping for a new one. I've also taken Proton's Vivaldi offering out for a wee test drive because #SoftwareGeek. My rejection of their service is no comment on the company or software itself.
Vivaldi is still a top-tier browser. I 100% believe you can use it safely and ethically. Their politics are YOUR politics (unless you skew extreme).
The Fedi is wonderful but the Fedi is also VERY Black and White at times. Sometimes critical thinking is missed in lieu of solidarity with the trending winds.
But back to here and now I'm rejecting this VPN brouhaha as a storm in a tea-cup.
#Vivaldi #ProtonVPN
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