Privacy-focused email provider Proton Mail provided Swiss authorities with payment data that the FBI used to identify an anonymous account linked to the Stop Cop City movement in Atlanta, according to court records reviewed by 404 Media. The account, [email protected], was publicly associated with the Defend the Atlanta Forest group protesting a planned police training center.

While Proton Mail markets itself on Swiss privacy law and end-to-end encryption, the records show the company can and does provide payment information when legally compelled. The FBI received the data through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) from Swiss authorities. Edward Shone, Proton's head of communications, clarified that Proton only provides information when Swiss legal requirements are met, distinguishing between direct FBI requests and Swiss court orders.

This case highlights the limitations of privacy-focused services when faced with international legal cooperation. While Proton accepts cryptocurrency and cash payments, credit card transactions leave identifying information. The FBI affidavit linked the Proton Mail account to a blog documenting direct actions against the training center, including arson and vandalism. Though the identified individual hasn't been charged with a crime, the case demonstrates how payment data can circumvent anonymous email services when authorities pursue serious investigations.