A Conversation with Fran Villalba Segarra: Building a Private Digital Future with Internxt
Written by Aleksander Hougen (Co-Chief Editor)
Reviewed by Jackie Leavitt (Editor at Large)
Last Updated:
As personal data has become one of the world’s most valuable commodities, the call for digital privacy has never been louder. While tech giants like Google, Microsoft and Amazon dominate the cloud landscape, a new wave of privacy-focused companies is emerging to offer users a genuine alternative.
Enter Internxt, a European cloud provider dedicated to building a complete ecosystem of tools where user privacy is the default, not an afterthought.
Fran Villalba Segarra, CEO and founder of Internxt, shared his insights with us about his vision for the company. From implementing post-quantum cryptography to expanding into a comprehensive suite of privacy services, Fran explains what it takes to challenge Big Tech, the future of data security, and how Internxt is building a more private and secure internet for everyone.
Some answers have been condensed for readability.
Cloudwards: Many cloud storage providers claim to offer client-side encryption, but you’ve emphasized that Internxt encrypts files by default while services like pCloud charge extra for their “Crypto” folder. Can you walk us through how Internxt’s implementation differs from what is offered by competitors like pCloud, Sync.com and Icedrive?
Fran Villalba Segarra: Internxt encrypts all files by default using zero-knowledge in every plan at no extra cost, meaning everything is encrypted on your device before reaching our servers. Unlike pCloud, which charges extra for its Crypto folder, Internxt doesn’t separate private storage from regular storage.
Sync.com and Icedrive also offer client-side encryption, but Internxt includes post-quantum protection and open-source transparency with every plan.
We believe privacy should be a right, not a paid add-on, so full security is included from the start.
Cloudwards: The cloud storage market is dominated by tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Dropbox, which offer convenience over privacy. How do you see the market shifting, and what will it take for privacy-focused alternatives to gain mainstream adoption?
Fran Villalba Segarra: Growing concerns about data sovereignty, mass surveillance, and vendor lock-in are pushing users away from U.S.-based tech giants like Google, Microsoft and Dropbox, so I think we’re already seeing the market shift. More people and businesses seek European cloud storage alternatives that offer stronger privacy protections and comply with regulations like the GDPR.
For privacy-focused alternatives to gain mainstream adoption, several things need to happen. First, these providers must build trust by offering transparent, verifiable security, such as open-source code, regular third-party audits and strong encryption standards by default.
Cloudwards: Internxt is one of the few cloud providers to offer lifetime plans. How does Internxt guarantee its lifetime cloud storage plans won’t be rescinded or become unavailable, given that it’s a newer provider and other cloud companies have previously cancelled lifetime offerings or gone out of business?
Fran Villalba Segarra: Internxt’s lifetime cloud storage plans are built to last because they’re backed by a sustainable, diversified business model. While we do offer lifetime plans, our revenue also comes from monthly and annual subscriptions, cloud object storage (S3-compatible), and a growing B2B segment.
Unlike companies that only focus on cloud storage, Internxt offers an expansive suite of services including a VPN, encrypted Mail, secure Meet, device cleaner, antivirus and dark web monitoring. This range of products allows us to serve a broader audience and support long-term growth, rather than relying on a single source of income.
Cloudwards: Internxt recently implemented post-quantum cryptography with Kyber 512. What threats are you preparing for that other cloud storage providers aren’t addressing, and why is Internxt pioneering this technology?
Fran Villalba Segarra: We are pioneering this technology to prepare for the future threats of quantum computers, which could theoretically break current encryption protocols due to the ability to solve complex mathematical problems that encryption relies on, increasing the risk of post-quantum attacks that would cause even more data breaches.
In fact, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is already recommending companies to implement post-quantum encryption by 2035, so by implementing PQC now, we are providing our users with the security and privacy required to prevent future cyberthreats.
Cloudwards: You’ve expanded beyond cloud storage into VPN, antivirus, email (Mail) and video conferencing (Meet). What’s the strategic vision behind building this comprehensive privacy suite rather than focusing solely on storage?
Fran Villalba Segarra: Our vision at Internxt has always been to build a truly private alternative to Big Tech. While cloud storage was our starting point, it quickly became clear that privacy doesn’t begin or end with where you store your files.
People use many different tools every day, and most of them are tied to companies that profit from personal data. That’s why we expanded into VPN, antivirus, email, video conferencing and other services into one unified privacy suite where their data is never exploited.
Cloudwards: How do these additional services integrate with each other, and what advantages do users get from having all their privacy tools from one provider versus mixing different services?
Fran Villalba Segarra: Having a single provider focused on privacy means consistent protection standards across all services. Users can trust that their data is handled securely everywhere, helping them build trust that their privacy is protected with one easy-to-use service.
Cloudwards: How do you see Internxt changing in five years as cloud technology changes so rapidly, especially with the widespread implementation of AI?
Fran Villalba Segarra: As cloud technology advances, Internxt will evolve by integrating more intelligent security measures and expanding our suite of privacy tools. Our goal is to stay ahead of industry changes while ensuring our users’ data remains fully protected and private.
Although AI is becoming widely implemented, it still carries privacy risks due to data collection and analysis, which we want to avoid. However, when used properly, AI can be a valuable addition. As Internxt evolves, we will take every measure to ensure that user privacy remains at the core of everything we do.
CW’s Take: The Future Is Private
Our conversation with Fran Villalba Segarra paints a clear picture of a company on a mission. By prioritizing client-side encryption, championing transparency through open-source code, and future-proofing its platform with post-quantum cryptography, Internxt is laying the groundwork for a more secure digital future.If you want to learn more about Internxt, you can read the full Internxt review article or watch our Internxt video review.
