As governments contend with the challenges of keeping information safe from hackers, they must simultaneously comply with state and local transparency laws that require them to make records of communications available to the public. Messaging apps that don’t create an archived record of conversations create more work when responding to public-records requests and leave government entities vulnerable to complaints and lawsuits. EIE Legal is compiling a list of nationwide text messaging lawsuits being brought against government entities to demonstrate the growing problem.
Tennessee's House Speaker to Resign Amid Explicit Text Messages Scandal
House Speaker Glen Casada announced he plans to resign following a vote of no confidence by his Republican caucus. Casada is resigning amid a scandal over explicit text messages he had earlier dismissed as "locker room talk." 

The Missouri Senate proposed a bill to ban secret texting apps because "The Star reported in late 2017 that then-Gov. Eric Greitens and most of his government staff were using an app called Confide, which automatically deletes a text message after it has been read. A pair of attorneys from St. Louis sued, arguing Confide was being used to subvert the state’s open records and transparency laws."

Casper, Wyoming City Attorney Advises City Council On Text Messaging Public Record Requests
In a discussion regarding cell phone policy, City Attorney John Henley informed the Casper City Council that text, voice and video messages sent on their personal cell phones may be subject to public records requests if it pertains to City business.  

Local newspaper requests text messages from multiple city organizations including Denton City Council and the Denton school board.

Academic Research Group Identifies Malicious Spying Application Used in WhatsApp Breach
Nasty spyware, called Pegasus, used in the WhatsApp breach lets governments provides full access to everything in your smartphone, including text messages.

Secure Messaging App for Government
EIE Legal is an encrypted messaging app specifically designed to meet the needs of government entities and ease compliance with FOIA, Open Meetings Act or Sunshine regulations. EIE Legal provides complete privacy and gives users an efficient, encrypted means of communication with staff and colleagues.

In order to take every step possible to protect your communications, choose a messaging platform that has end-to-end encryption and archiving technology. EIE Legal allows users to print or save copies off archived records. The difference with our app is the “encrypted transparency.” TM
Custom versions of EIE Legal can be developed for specific government entity requirements.
Previous Government Text Messaging Cases:
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