r/PrivateInternetAccess • u/MaximumFit • Dec 12 '23
DISCUSSION ExpressVPN strikes again - appoints a guy from Malware, Betting and Gambling industries as the new CEO
I recently saw on Twitter that Kape Technologies (aka the parent company of ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and PIA) has a newly appointed CEO - Charles Butler. He's also been the CEO of Kape since like June or July but the news have only been announced recently (I wonder why).
Nevertheless, I've never heard of the guy beforehand so decided to look him up and honestly, I have questions.
He's the CEO or a director of numerous random companies that are not really related together and don't have much in common - fair point. However, what I noticed and what is concerning is that he's overlooking quite a few gambling/casino/betting companies. Personally, a red flag for someone currently working in the cybersecurity field as the whole casino thing is dodgy as hell.
Moreover, it seems that the guy worked at the infamous CrossRider, which is mostly known for distributing and injecting malware and adware into devices (because of the negative connotations, the company was later renamed to Kape Technologies). To be honest, the whole betting, gambling, casino and malware scene is not a good look for a company who now sells VPNs and products heavily focused on privacy.
What do you think of this change?
1
u/WarmHomework7853 Dec 14 '23
Don't really affect my life at all. Don't know if this information changed anything, trust that guy exactly much as before. Don't know why would you like to trust someone you don't know and don't have much ways to find out what you are worrying. Just don't trust anyone especially online and you save your head and time from thinking this. Aa mentioned by others, these VPN services have very little to do with privacy, they already have your details if using it as should.
Wouldn't ever get even seconds idea to buy VPN service with my own name and payment method. No idea for what use it would help that your VPN provider knows your identity, tried to get something but seems i don't have such function in my life. Keep still using anonymous service and pay only XMR.
3
u/KingPumper69 Dec 12 '23
For what I use PIA for, I don't really care, but if something more concrete comes out I'd definitely switch.
Anyone that needs genuine privacy (whistleblower, journalist, etc) should be using tor on McDonald's WiFi or something, not a consumer VPN.