Signal app: All about the app that is at the centre of one of the biggest American 'national security scandal'

Signal, the encrypted messaging app known for its robust privacy features, has found itself at the center of a significant national security controversy in the United States. The scandal erupted after reports revealed that senior officials in the Trump administration used Signal to discuss sensitive military operations, inadvertently adding a journalist to the group chat.
The incident came to light when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, disclosed that he had been mistakenly included in a Signal group chat discussing military strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. The National Security Council later confirmed the authenticity of the messages, sparking widespread concerns about the use of encrypted apps for classified discussions.
The Signal app is currently at the center of a significant US national security controversy. The issue arose when senior officials from the Trump administration reportedly used Signal, an encrypted messaging app, to discuss sensitive military operations. In a surprising turn, a journalist was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat where plans for military strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen were being discussed.
On March 24, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth firmly denied that sensitive "war plans" were being discussed. Similarly, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, addressed the matter in an article, revealing that he had been inadvertently added to a Signal group chat. The group reportedly included Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and other Trump administration officials, totaling 18 members. According to Goldberg, the group discussed internal deliberations and operational details regarding airstrikes against Houthi terrorists.
Goldberg further claims he was invited to join the Signal chain called the 'Houthi PC small group' on March 11, two days after connecting with US National Security Adviser Waltz on the app. The editor told the New York Post that “He was texting war plans. He was texting attack plans. US officials are known to use Signal app. However, what makes this an apparent security scandal is as Goldberg said, "It is not uncommon for national-security officials to communicate on Signal. But the app is used primarily for meeting planning and other logistical matters -- not for detailed and highly confidential discussions of a pending military action."
Signal is a US-based app and it is know for its robust privacy features, such as end-to-end encryption. Rival to Meta-owned WhatsApp, Signal is also provides secure text, voice, and video communication, safeguarded by robust end-to-end encryption.

Signal is a widely used messaging app offering text, voice, and video communication, all protected by end-to-end encryption. Unlike other platforms, Signal’s encryption is enabled by default, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the content of messages or calls. The app also supports features like disappearing messages and large group chats.
While Signal is regarded as one of the most secure messaging platforms, the scandal highlights potential risks associated with user errors. Adding unauthorised individuals to sensitive conversations can compromise security, even on encrypted platforms. Experts have also raised concerns about the app’s ability to bypass open records laws, as encrypted messages are not automatically archived on government servers.
Encrypted messaging apps like Signal have gained popularity among government officials for their privacy features. However, the mistaken inclusion of a journalist in a classified discussion has raised questions about the appropriateness of using such apps for national security communication. The Trump administration has since announced plans to review the use of Signal by government officials.