Swiss Proposal Mandates Logging and Storage of User Data for Mail and VPN Providers

By Netvora Tech News

A proposed law in Switzerland would require mail and VPN providers to log users' IP addresses, store data for six months, and register users using an identification document, including possibly a phone number. The move has sparked concerns about online surveillance and the potential for anonymous use to become impossible.

Providers Must Log and Store User Data

The proposal, introduced by the Swiss Ministry of Justice and Police and the Swiss Federal Council, would mandate that providers with more than 5,000 users log their IP addresses and store user data for a period of six months. This would effectively require providers to compromise their encryption, although end-to-end encrypted messages would be exempt.

Data Must be Provided in Plain Text

Furthermore, providers would be required to provide requested data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping. This has raised concerns about the potential for mass surveillance and the erosion of online anonymity.

Registration with Identification Document Mandatory

The proposal would also require providers to register users using an identification document, such as a passport or national ID card. This would make it difficult for users to maintain their anonymity online, as their real identities would be linked to their online activities.

Only Providers Operating from Switzerland Affected

It's worth noting that the proposal would only affect providers operating from Switzerland, such as Meta or Google, which would be exempt from the new regulations.

VPN Provider Proton Threatens to Leave Switzerland

Proton, a popular VPN provider, has already announced its intention to leave Switzerland if the proposal is adopted in its current form. The company has expressed concerns about the impact on users' privacy and security.

Mail Provider Tuta Criticizes Proposal

Tuta, a Swiss-based mail provider, has also spoken out against the proposal, citing its concerns about the potential for mass surveillance and the erosion of online anonymity.

Proposal Sparks Widespread Concerns

The proposal has sparked widespread concerns about online surveillance and the impact on users' privacy and security. Experts warn that the proposal could have far-reaching consequences for online freedom and the ability to maintain anonymity online.

Timeline Uncertain

The timeline for the proposal's adoption is uncertain, but it is expected to be debated and voted on in the Swiss Parliament in the coming months.