Michigan State Police Denies Use of Signal End-to-End Encryption Violates FOIA

Michigan State Police has recently confirmed that it uses Signal, and app powered by end-to-end encryption on their state issued calls. However, they deny that using secured encryption violated FOIA or Freedom of Information Act.

As Fox Detroit feports, First Lt. Matt Williams explained to a Senate subcommittee that using the Signal App is currently under review by the department. However, he explains that the app is neither banned nor sanctioned during the course of their use of Signal.

End-to-End Encryption App Signal Surpasses State Server

Using end-to-end encryption raises multiple controversies since text messages sent using this system would bypass the state server. Moreover, once these messages have been deleted cannot be retrieved. On the other hand, regular text messages are still recorded even when deleted from a user's phone.

Even Signal claims on its official website that "We can't read your messages or listen to your calls, and no one else can either." Signal App owner Moxie Marlinspike admits that using end-to-end encryption could be used for different purposes, both good and bad. However, its implications are still under observation as of the moment.

Michigan State Police Initially Denies Use of Signal App, Later Confirms

The use of the app was first reported last January 22 by Detroit Free Press. According to the report, these observations happened after the state police had dealings with a civil lawsuit. Moreover, they declined to comment on the allegations of using the app. However, attorney James Fett has sent screenshots to Detroit Free Press of about 18 officials who use Signal.

To make things more conspicuous, MSP first acknowledged that Col. Joseph Gasper, their department director, uses the app. However, they later denied the claim in a corrected filing to the Attorney General's office. As the claim writes, Gaspar did not have the Signal app downloaded on his phone.

Signal App Downloaded in State Police's Personal Phone, but not in State Phone

Moreover, Gaspar was reported to be unavailable to attend the hearing at the court. Recent news from Williams who told the Senate Appropriations subcommittee attempted to shed light on the confusing issue. According to him, Gaspar did not have the Signal app downloaded on a State-issued phone. However, he downloaded this app on his personal phone.

As of the moment, Williams notes that he could not give the exact number of MSP members who had been using the Signal app. However, he agreed to give information to the subcommittee once the final list is available. Williams denies that they violate the Freedom of information Act since all police officials are tasked to comply with this, among others.

According to Williams, the appropriate use of Signal in State-sanctioned duties is still under review.

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Written by Nikki D