Proton to re-interview staff about AI use and employment

Proton told staff on Monday that it would re-interview employees, with the process covering staff across the company.[1] The interviews will ask how employees use AI in their jobs.[1] 404 Media said it obtained an internal email about the interviews, which the email described as consequential.[1] The Verge reported that the email said the process may affect employees’ roles and responsibilities, as well as their continued employment.[2] That makes the stated purpose—assessing AI use—relevant to more than a discussion of tools: the email links the interviews to workplace outcomes.

The interviews are set for November 4–11, according to Tom’s Guide.[3] Tom’s Guide also reported that the assessments are intended to evaluate employees’ ability to use AI.[3] In the email, Proton said it needs people who can use AI to improve products and execution and find new ways of working.[2] TechRadar reported that Proton insists the assessments are not a cover for layoffs.[4] Employees preparing for the process can distinguish the stated assessment focus—AI use—from its possible employment consequences, which the reporting says may include changes to roles or continued employment.[2][3]

Proton is a Swiss company behind Proton VPN and Proton Mail, according to the Times of India.[5] The same outlet reported that Proton’s CEO interviewed 40 senior leaders about AI.[5] It also reported that the outcome of the staff process could decide who keeps their job.[5] These details place the interviews within a wider company focus on AI, while the internal email’s stated aims include improving products and execution and finding new ways of working.[2]