French Government Bans Ministers from Using WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, Citing Security Flaws

In a recent move, the French government has prohibited its ministers and their teams from using popular communication apps WhatsApp, Telegram, and even the reputed encrypted messaging app, Signal, due to perceived security vulnerabilities.

The decision has sparked a strong response from Signal’s outspoken president, Meredith Whittaker, who dismissed the allegations as “dangerously misleading.” According to a report by Politico, a memo dated November 22 described these digital tools as “not devoid of security flaws,” leading Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne to order ministers to switch to alternative French apps.

The ban has raised concerns, especially regarding the lack of evidence to support claims of security flaws in Signal. Whittaker took to Twitter to express her alarm, emphasizing the absence of any backing evidence for such claims.

Signal has long been known for its strong stance on privacy and encryption. The app was the first of its kind to integrate quantum-level encryption protection into its code and is also in the process of eliminating phone numbers in the interest of privacy.

In response to the ban, French ministers and other governmental employees have been instructed to delete popular apps from their work devices and instead start using authorized French applications. Two of the alternate apps mentioned are Olvid, an encrypted messaging app certified by France’s cybersecurity agency, and Tchap, a secure messaging and collaboration app developed by the French government.

Despite the government’s efforts, the move has raised questions about whether the use of security concerns is merely a pretext to promote French-made applications. However, according to Whittaker, the main issue lies in the spread of misinformation rather than the preference for French products.

As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen whether the decision to ban certain messaging apps based on security concerns will lead to an increased adoption of made in France applications.