Former Maryland superintendent used encrypted messages

(TNS) – A state regulator’s investigation has found that Maryland education officials frequently use an encrypted messaging app with a self-deleting message feature for professional purposes.

The investigation by former Maryland State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury and key members of his leadership team found that officials used the encrypted messaging service Signal to communicate about personal and work-related matters. The Office of the Inspector General for Education found no rules explicitly prohibiting the use of privacy-focused messaging apps, but noted that the practice underscored concerns about transparency and government record-keeping.

“Despite concerns raised by a former member of management about the optics and potential implications of using such an application, this practice continued until public scrutiny increased,” the two-page investigation summary states.

Choudhury told investigators that work matters sometimes became “mixed” with personal matters when he used Signal to communicate with members of the Education Department’s leadership team. He said he was aware of the department’s retention policies, but he “viewed the messages sent through Signal as separate records that he could delete at his own discretion.”

He said he had not received any official training on the state’s communications policy, but “believed the state should develop policies for encrypted messaging applications.”

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

The controversy over state officials’ use of self-destructing messaging apps, potentially circumventing public records law, is nothing new in Maryland. U.S. Senate candidate and former governor Larry Hogan and his staff famously used Wickr, an app with quickly deleteable messages, raising concerns among lawmakers and good governance advocates.

The state education report notes that “constant technological changes make it difficult to keep up with messaging applications,” but recommends that the Department of Education update its policies regarding their use, including establishing a data retention schedule for such communications.

Choudhury, who was hired as the state’s education chief during the coronavirus pandemic to implement early phases of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future reform plan, faced scrutiny for his leadership style toward the end of his tenure. He ultimately decided not to seek a second term, and Carey Wright took over the role permanently in April.

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