Robert E.G. Beens - CEO and Co-Founder of StartMail
Position: CEO and Co-Founder
Company: StartMail
Company Overview:
StartMail is a secure email service designed to protect user privacy. The company was developed by the same team that created Startpage, the world's first private search engine. StartMail focuses on protecting emails from advertisers, government surveillance, and spam, emphasizing user control over personal data.
Professional Background:
Robert E.G. Beens is a noted privacy expert and advocate, recognized for his work in developing privacy-centric online services.
1. Co-Founding and Leadership:
- Co-Founder and CEO of StartMail, a service focusing on secure, private email communications.
- Previously co-founded Startpage, a private search engine launched in 2006, renowned for prioritizing user privacy.
2. Motivation and Journey:
- Beens' entry into the privacy sector was influenced by a legal audit of his search engine, Ixquick, where he discovered the extensive amount of user data being stored. This realization prompted him and his co-founder, David Bodnick, to establish online services prioritizing user privacy.
- StartMail was initiated to offer a secure alternative to traditional email services, likened to postcards regarding privacy due to their lack of security measures.
Key Insights and Contributions:
Privacy Advocacy:
- In various interviews and articles, Beens has highlighted the importance of email privacy, emphasizing that standard emails can be easily accessed and exploited. He advocates for the use of secure email providers like StartMail, which offer encryption and other security features to protect against phishing and unauthorized access.
User Education and Empowerment:
- Beens stresses the critical need for public awareness regarding online privacy. He points out that many free email services, like Gmail and Yahoo, scan emails to generate targeted ads and can retain copies of emails long after they've been deleted, posing significant privacy risks.
Published Works and Public Engagement:
1. LinkedIn Activity:
- Actively contributes insights and tips on online privacy through platforms like LinkedIn. For instance, he has shared methods to regain control over online privacy on March 31, 2023, via a LinkedIn post.
2. Interviews and Articles:
- September 7, 2023: Discussed with SafetyDetectives on the importance of email privacy and StartMail’s mission to offer secure communication solutions.
StartMail’s Core Features and Offerings:
1. Email Encryption:
- Ensures emails are secured against unauthorized access through encryption.
2. User Control:
- Empowers users with features like customizable aliases to manage their data and privacy effectively.
3. Privacy-Centric Approach:
- StartMail operates with a strong dedication to privacy, drawing from over a decade of experience, aiming to withstand governmental and commercial intrusions.
Strategic Insights:
1. Complexity and User Adoption:
- Beens acknowledges that despite increasing privacy awareness, core technical concepts like encryption can deter users due to their perceived complexity. StartMail addresses this by simplifying processes, like email migration from services such as Gmail to StartMail, with user-friendly tools.
2. Incremental Adoption:
- Advocates for a gradual transition towards using privacy-focused tools, easing users into enhanced security practices without overwhelming them.
Conclusion:
Robert E.G. Beens has played a significant role in advocating for online privacy, particularly through his leadership at StartMail. His efforts have been pivotal in shaping secure digital communication and raising public awareness regarding the importance of privacy. StartMail, under his guidance, offers robust security features aimed at protecting users' data and enhancing their control over personal information.
