Proton will re-interview staff about AI use, with jobs potentially affected

Proton plans to re-interview some employees about how they use artificial intelligence at work. An internal email obtained by 404 Media described the interviews as “consequential” and said the wider review could lead to changes in roles, responsibilities, or continued employment.

According to the email, CEO Andy Yen first interviewed more than 40 senior leaders in Engineering and Product. The assessments are now being extended across the company, though not all employees will be selected. Interviewers will come from outside each employee’s team and reporting line and will be chosen from leaders described as having strong AI capability. The interviews are scheduled for November 4 to 11. Selected employees were asked to bring specific examples of how AI has affected their work and the results.

In a public response on Reddit, Proton said it was “not doing layoffs and using AI as an excuse.” The company said it faces a talent shortage, is hiring across the organization, and wants to identify employees who need additional support.

Proton makes Proton Mail and Proton VPN, and also offers the Lumo chatbot. Yen told Wired in August that he viewed AI as a form of surveillance and that Proton had reluctantly built an AI product after it became clear the technology was here to stay. Proton’s public comments describe the interviews as a way to assess AI use and support needs; the leaked email says the review could affect employment.