Former Maryland Superintendent Used Encrypted Messaging

(TNS) — An investigation by a state watchdog office has revealed that Maryland education officials are using an encrypted messaging app with an auto-delete feature for official purposes.

An investigation into former Maryland Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury and key members of his executive team found that officials used the encrypted messaging service Signal to communicate about personal and work-related matters. The Office of the Education Inspector General found no rules explicitly banning the use of privacy-focused messaging apps, but noted that the practice underscores concerns about transparency and government recordkeeping.

“Despite concerns expressed by a former executive about the appearance and potential consequences of using such an app, the practice continued until public interest in it increased,” the two-page summary of the investigation reads.

Choudhury told investigators that professional matters sometimes “intermingled” with personal issues when he used Signal to communicate with members of the education department’s leadership team. He said he was aware of the department’s record-keeping policy but “considered the messages sent via Signal as miscellaneous documents that could be deleted at his discretion.”

He said he had not received official training on state communications policy but “believes the state should develop a policy on encrypted messaging apps.”

Many messaging apps, including Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram, include encryption features and the option to automatically delete messages after a certain period of time.

Controversy over government officials using self-destructing messaging apps that potentially bypass records laws is nothing new in Maryland. U.S. Senate candidate and former Gov. Larry Hogan and his team famously used Wickr, a quick-delete messaging app, to concerns from lawmakers and government advocates.

The state education report noted that “it is difficult to keep up with messaging apps because of constant technological changes,” but recommended that the education department update its policies to address their use, including by setting a data retention schedule for these types of communications.

Choudhury, who was hired during the coronavirus pandemic to lead the state’s education system and implement early stages of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future reform plan, began to face scrutiny for his leadership style toward the end of his term. He ultimately decided not to seek a second term, with Carey Wright taking the job permanently in April.