Proton Spam and the AI Consent Problem

Summary

Thursday 22 Jan 2026 Play Synthesised Audio On Jan 14th Proton sent out an email newsletter with the subject line:Introducing Projects - Try Lumo’s powerful new feature nowAltscreenshot of the official email from @lumo.proton.meLumo is Proton’s “AI” offering.There is a problem with this email. And I’m not talking about the question of how exactly AI aligns with Proton’s core values of privacy and security.The problem is I had already explicitly opted out of Lumo emails.Altscreenshot of an unchecked toggleThat toggle for “Lumo product updates” is unchecked. Lumo is the only topic I’m not subscribed to. Proton has over a dozen newsletters, including some crypto nonsense. I opt-in to everything but Lumo, I gave an undeniable no to Lumo emails.So the email I received from Proton is spam, right?My understanding is that spam is a violation of GDPR and UK data protection laws. Regardless, Proton’s email is a clear abuse of their own service towards a paying business customer.Before I grab my pitchfork I emailed Proton support.Proton SupportDespite the subject line and contents, and despite the “From Lumo” name and @lumo.proton.me address, maybe this was an honest mistake?Proton’s first reply explained how to opt-out.Altscreenshot of support email quoted belowI’ve blurred the name because whateverHello David,Thank you for contacting us.You can unsubscribe from the newsletters if you do the following:- Log in to your account at https://account.protonvpn.com/login- Navigate to the Account category- Disable the check-marks under “Email subscriptions”- If you need additional assistance, let me know.[screenshot of the same opt-out toggle]-Have a nice day.John Support directs me to the exact same “Lumo product updates” toggle I had already unchecked. I replied explaining that I had already opted out. Support replies saying they’re “checking this with the team” then later replies again asking for screenshots.Can you make sure to send me a screenshot of this newsletter option disab...