I downloaded ProtonVPN (5.5.68.0) a few months ago via the Google Play Store and have been happily using it ‘anonymously’ as a Guest with no problem. I recently purchased a new Android device and this time I chose to download the same VPN (5.5.68.0) via F-Droid to maintain some privacy. However, there appears to be no option in the FOSS version of the app to use Proton VPN as a guest - I am told I have to sign-up with an actual email address.

For a company claiming they are “Empowering you to choose a better internet where privacy is the default. Protect yourself online with… Proton VPN” (look to the right of this page), this decision astounds me. Assuming the error is not on my part, why is the purported FOSS version on F-Droid forcing users to give identifiable information (even if it’s only an email address and password), but the Google Android version does not?

  • stinerman [Ohio]@midwest.socialEnglish
    12·
    3 months ago

    I looked into this because I thought that you must be missing something, but yes, you are correct.

    Both the F-Droid package as well as the one on the Proton’s GitHub page do not allow for guest logins. This is curious. Perhaps the guest account option requires some sort of non-free library? I’d be interested in the answer to your question.

  • Brad Boimler@startrek.websiteEnglish
    2·
    2 months ago

    Because the guest option uses a Google Services API so the are getting your Google Account info to make the connection the Foss versions rightfully strip play services integration like most if not all foss apps.

    • protonvpn@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      2 months ago

      I see. So they stole my device’s Android email address? Very disappointing. Thank you for the help.

        • protonvpn@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          11·
          2 months ago

          You are right. Guess I expected more from a privacy advocate. Can’t even create an account with a Tuta email address, to silo my VPN activity from my Proton ID and usage.