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> Proton for instance revealed the location of a climate activist leading to his arrest[2], with the inspiring message from the CEO that "privacy protections can be suspended", silently on a per-user basis at any time.

That person isn't just a climate activist, they (and others who used that email account) broke French laws. Swiss authorities compelled the disclosure.

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> broke French laws. Swiss authorities compelled the disclosure.

That's a terrible reason. Torrenting breaks French law. Having the wrong bread or cheese with your wine probably breaks French law.

And if your company can be compelled via gag order to give up your users' privacy whenever the authorities feel like it, well, your product isn't very effective anyways, and you should stop pretending you offer any meaningful level of protection.

Thankfully, gag orders are not permissible in Switzerland, so the scenario you are describing is impossible.

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