Signal Messaging App Under Scrutiny for National Security Leaks

The encrypted messaging app Signal has recently made headlines after it was revealed that senior U.S. officials were using it for a secret group chat discussing military operations. The incident came to light when *The Atlantic’s* Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was accidentally added to the group where plans for attacks against the Houthi group in Yemen were being discussed. This has sparked major concerns, with Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer calling it one of the most significant military intelligence leaks in history and demanding an investigation.

But what exactly is Signal, and how secure is it for sensitive political and military communications?

### What is Signal?

Signal is a widely used encrypted messaging app with an estimated 40 to 70 million monthly users, a much smaller user base compared to larger platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, which have billions of users. Signal offers end-to-end encryption, meaning that only the sender and receiver of the messages can read the contents – even Signal itself cannot access the messages.

While other platforms like WhatsApp also provide end-to-end encryption, Signal is considered to have superior security features. For example, its underlying code is open-source, meaning anyone can review it to ensure there are no vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Signal’s creators also state that they collect very minimal data from users, not even storing records of usernames, profile pictures, or the groups users participate in.

The app is operated by the Signal Foundation, a non-profit based in the United States, relying on donations instead of advertising revenue.

### Is Signal Secure Enough for Sensitive Government Discussions?

Despite its high-security features, Signal may not be secure enough for extremely sensitive national security conversations. The main concern lies in the risk of phone security. If someone gains access to your phone or knows your password, they can easily view your messages. Additionally, if you’re using your phone in a public space, there’s always the risk of someone looking over your shoulder.

According to data expert Caro Robson, who works with the U.S. government, it’s highly unusual for senior officials to discuss sensitive topics on platforms like Signal. Typically, governments use highly secure systems that are owned and operated by the government, using much stronger encryption methods. In the U.S., the government has historically used Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), highly secure rooms where personal electronic devices are not allowed. These facilities are designed specifically for discussing sensitive national security matters.

### The Issue of Disappearing Messages

Another concern with Signal is its feature that allows users to set messages to disappear after a certain period of time. This can potentially lead to violations of record-keeping regulations, especially in the case of high-level government discussions.

In the case of the accidental leak by *The Atlantic*, some messages in the Signal group were deleted a week after they were sent. This raises concerns about the ability to preserve records for legal or accountability purposes, especially for sensitive government matters that require clear documentation.

### Conclusion

While Signal is considered one of the most secure messaging platforms, the recent incident highlights potential risks when using it for high-stakes government discussions. Sensitive communications, particularly regarding national security, may require more secure, government-managed systems, ensuring better protection against espionage and unauthorized access.