Surveillance Fears Under the Trump Administration
Under Donald Trump’s administration, federal workers have found themselves in an environment of heightened paranoia, where surveillance is not just a distant fear but an everyday reality. Many federal employees are now incentivized to monitor and report on their coworkers’ activities, creating a culture of mistrust and caution. This shift has led to an increase in the use of secure communication tools, particularly the Signal chat app, as federal workers seek to discuss their jobs and opinions about leadership without fear of oversight. The phenomenon is not limited to federal employees; anyone concerned about discussing sensitive topics like banned books, healthcare, or diversity initiatives might find value in using a secure messaging app like Signal.
Why Privacy Experts Recommend Signal
Privacy experts consistently recommend Signal as a top choice for secure communication due to its end-to-end encryption. Unlike many other messaging apps, Signal operates as an independent nonprofit, ensuring that the content and metadata of messages are encrypted locally on users’ devices and not stored on its servers. This setup means that only the intended recipient can read the messages. Aaron Pritz, CEO of cybersecurity firm Reveal Risk, explains that Signal’s encryption keys are stored locally on users’ phones, making it impossible for Signal itself—or any government entity—to access the data. This level of security is particularly important for federal workers who fear that major tech companies like Meta (owner of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger) might comply with government requests for user data. Meta, for instance, reported that it received 81,884 government requests for U.S. user data in the first half of 2024 and produced “some data” in 87% of cases.
Signal’s Advantages Over Other Messaging Apps
Signal’s commitment to privacy is further demonstrated by its response to government subpoenas. In 2021, when Signal received a subpoena from a U.S. government attorney, it could only provide the date the account was created and the date it was last connected to the service—no names, addresses, call records, or other metadata. This starkly contrasts with platforms like Apple’s Messages app, which only offers end-to-end encryption if all participants in a conversation are using Apple devices. If even one person in a group chat is using an Android device, the entire conversation loses end-to-end encryption. Signal, on the other hand, guarantees end-to-end encryption regardless of the devices used, making it a more reliable choice for cross-platform communication. Additionally, Signal’s default settings ensure that all users have the same level of privacy protections, whereas apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger may leave users vulnerable depending on their settings.
The Downsides of Signal
While Signal is widely regarded as one of the most secure messaging apps available, it is not without its limitations. For instance, if someone gains physical access to your device, they can easily view your conversations, take screenshots, or even record calls. To mitigate this risk, Signal offers features like registration locks, which require additional verification if your phone number is registered on a new device. However, privacy experts caution against using Signal on work-issued devices, as employers may monitor app usage or have policies prohibiting the use of certain communication tools. Ultimately, the security of your conversations on Signal still depends on how much you trust the people you are communicating with. If someone in your group chat decides to screenshot or share information, there is little Signal can do to prevent it.
Practical Tips for Using Signal Effectively
To maximize the benefits of using Signal, users should take a few precautions. First, limit the use of Signal to personal devices, as work-issued devices may be subject to monitoring or restrictions. Second, take advantage of Signal’s additional privacy features, such as setting messages to delete after a certain period or disabling chat backups. These features can help minimize the risk of unintended data exposure. Finally, be mindful of group chats—while Signal’s seamless cross-platform functionality makes it ideal for group communication, the presence of multiple participants increases the potential for information leaks. For sensitive conversations, it may be worth creating separate, smaller groups or using Signal’s ability to compartmentalize specific discussions into isolated threads.
The Importance of Trust in Secure Communication
At the end of the day, even the most secure messaging app cannot replace the importance of trust in communication. While Signal provides robust technical safeguards to protect your conversations, it cannot prevent participants from intentionally or accidentally sharing sensitive information. Thorin Klosowski, a security and privacy activist with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, points out that the more people involved in a group chat, the higher the risk of screenshots or recordings. To keep your conversations truly private, it is essential to choose your communication partners wisely and remain vigilant about the information you share. Signal is a powerful tool for secure communication, but like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how—and with whom—it is used.
