Lawmakers demand probe into Trump team’s Signal breach
Despite its strong encryption, Signal may not be suitable for national security discussions, as compromised mobile devices could still expose confidential messages.
Top officials from the Trump administration inadvertently included a journalist in an encrypted Signal chat while discussing military plans, leading to concerns over a potential security breach.
The incident has prompted Democratic lawmakers to call for a congressional investigation into the mishandling of classified information. Although US law criminalises the misuse of such data, it remains uncertain if legal provisions were violated in this case.
Signal is a widely trusted encrypted messaging app known for strong privacy protections. The service, instead of storing user messages on its servers, keeps data solely on users’ devices, with an option to automatically delete conversations.
Unlike other platforms, Signal does not track user data, use ads, or affiliate with marketers. Its encryption is independent of any government, and cybersecurity experts consider it highly secure. However, if a device itself is compromised, messages within the app can still be accessed by hackers.
The app was co-founded by Moxie Marlinspike in 2012 and later supported by WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton, who left WhatsApp over concerns regarding data privacy.
Signal is run by the non-profit Signal Foundation and has grown in popularity, especially among privacy advocates, journalists, and government agencies.
The European Commission and the US Senate have also endorsed its use. However, experts question whether it is appropriate for discussions involving national security matters, given the risk of mobile device vulnerabilities.
Signal saw a significant surge in users in 2021 after WhatsApp introduced a controversial privacy policy update.
Despite its reputation for security, the recent incident with Trump administration officials highlights concerns about the suitability of even the most encrypted platforms for handling sensitive government information.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
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