Whittaker, from the Signal Foundation, criticizes the government’s insinuations about Signal’s security flaws, emphasizing the app’s independent audits and a decade-long tested protocol.
Whittaker’s remarks followed a request from French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne for high-ranking government officials to adopt the domestically developed Olvid app. Reports from French media outlet Le Point indicated that the French government discouraged the use of WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal among officials, citing concerns about security vulnerabilities in these messaging apps.
Firstly, these French media reports were independently verified by Reuters, and Borne’s office emphasized the directive for top staff to install the Olvid app on their phones and computers. Additionally, Whittaker acknowledged the promotion of a local messaging app but criticized the insinuation that Signal has security flaws. Furthermore, he argued that such claims lacked evidence and were “dangerously misleading,” especially when coming from a government official.
The French PM is mandating ministers use a small French messaging app. OK.
— Meredith Whittaker (@mer__edith) November 30, 2023
But I’m alarmed that she’s claiming “security flaws” in Signal (et al) to justify the move.
This claim is not backed by any evidence, and is dangerously misleading esp. coming from gov. https://t.co/DWxilDiLWE
Subsequently, in response to the memo sent to French top staff, Whittaker urged using French products without spreading misinformation. He highlighted Signal’s independent audits, open-source nature, and a protocol tested for over a decade, underscored by the commitment to responsible disclosure.
Simultaneously, the memo emphasized the growing role of consumer instant messaging apps in daily communication but cautioned about their inherent security flaws, unable to guarantee the security of shared conversations and information. Conversely, Olvid, the recommended app, is developed by a Paris-based startup led by two cryptography researchers and supported by various French tech accelerators.
In another vein, the Signal Foundation, the nonprofit behind the privacy-focused messaging app, disclosed that it currently invests $14 million in infrastructure and may require additional funding in the future. The foundation expressed its commitment to maintaining a focus on privacy without succumbing to external pressures that might compromise its principles, underscored by the importance of donations in sustaining its mission.
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