I joined Proton just a few days ago, and I’m paying for it so I can use my custom domain.

I watched this interview and it raises a huge question for me (link includes timestamp): https://tilvids.com/w/q1mZzv6eq3iULLmGdV6w6M?start=6m20s

In this interview, Andy Yen says about gmail et al “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”. Then, in nearly the same breath, he boasts that most Proton users don’t pay, they use the basic service for free because that’s all they need.

So my question is: if there’s no such thing as a free lunch (which there isn’t), how come Proton can offer it?

  • germanatlas@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    0·
    10 months ago

    Because the paying users subsidize the free product, they pay the free lunch. Meanwhile google, like most big platforms, is entirely without payment, instead subsidized by ads (and of course the sold data); with gmail you’re not paying with money, but with your attention (and your data).

    • Yesbutnotreally@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      10 months ago

      Unlike many internet companies that depend on invading your privacy to sell ads, Proton is funded by revenue from paid plans. Because we rely on you for funding, and because you rely on Proton to protect your data, we’re always incentivized to keep your data secure and private.

      Your subscription pays for the development of new features and services, as well as the cost of running Proton. By upgrading to a paid plan, not only will you get access to advanced features, you’ll support our mission to provide citizens around the world with an internet where privacy is the default.

      From: https://proton.me/support/proton-plans

    • mr_robot@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      10 months ago

      Do I really need the paid tier? Not necessarily. Proton provides me with a viable privacy-first service. Like they say; vote with your wallet.

      I’ve successfully de-googled myself after ~20 years. It feels good to be free of a corporation doing its best to spy on every aspect my life. If my subscription subsidizes the OP’s free lunch I say cheers mate 🍻, have some free privacy on me.

      • FlihpFlorp@lemm.eeEnglish
        0·
        10 months ago

        I’m also a free tier user so thanks!

        I wish I could totally buy it, but I could never justify the price relative to current expenses especially now that drive has 5 gigs

        Anyways thanks for letting me have privacy too :D

        Edit: but proton pass has been in my radar since I got into proton and privacy a couple months ago and that reduction in price is making it look mighty fine tho