Balancing Privacy, Security, and Accountability with Kurt Long

Feb 14 2024 • 50 mins

In this episode, we navigate the ever evolving landscape of messaging app dynamics, examining the challenges and opportunities in striking the right balance between preserving user privacy, ensuring robust security measures, and maintaining accountability in an ever changing digital landscape.

Today’s guest is Kurt Long. Kurt is an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in starting, growing, and building Information Security and Privacy businesses. Kurt is the Executive Director of The Long Family Force for Good Foundation which focuses on supporting not-for-profits dedicated to improving the mental health of families and children. Kurt is also the Co-Founder and CEO of BUNKR.

Show Notes:

[1:09] - Kurt shares his background and what he does through The Long Family Force for Good Foundation and BUNKR.
[5:01] - He found himself interested in technology and the idea of doing something bigger than himself with a team.
[9:26] - Currently, Kurt’s work is directed to messaging apps.
[13:22] - In the early days of messaging, there was an inherent trust. We didn’t think about the bad guys yet.
[15:57] - Communication platforms were never intended to secure communication.
[17:31] - Most communication apps now do begin with good intent. Kurt describes WhatsApp as an example until it was purchased by Facebook.
[19:50] - We want information and access, but we want safety, too.
[21:38] - We have to put trust in someone to strike a balance.
[23:41] - The Federal Trade Commission has announced apps that don’t support legal due process and implemented a fine for use of them.
[25:56] - Kurt shares a true story that is a great example of inside trade problems in messaging apps.
[28:28] - Using secret messaging apps or apps that feature disappearing messages are hard to track. You could be affiliated with someone doing something illegal.
[30:29] - Privacy and security do help us retain rights we have.
[32:35] - Messaging issues also impact the medical industry.
[34:07] - Some countries have legislation that ban secret messaging apps, but they aren’t really being enforced.
[36:25] - BUNKR has consumers and public usage in 32 countries worldwide and is popular with families.
[37:52] - When companies have more control over their app, there is less criminality involved.
[40:02] - This service is invitation based. You cannot receive random messages from anyone you do not invite.
[41:55] - “The entire planet deserves to conduct their affairs with dignity at bank level security.”
[44:29] - Kurt leans towards following United States laws and legal action, but also has a large legal team to help guide through unusual situations.