France bans social media apps in ministries due to security concerns

The French government is replacing popular instant messaging applications with French alternatives in order to increase communication security.

CALLED FOR THE USE OF 'FRENCH MESSAGING APPLICATIONS'

The French administration has asked all ministries to stop using WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal and to use French messaging applications instead. Among them is Olvid, an application developed by French cybersecurity experts where messages and metadata are encrypted. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne requested that government employees "take all measures" to implement Olvid by December 8.

The Prime Minister's office stated that all government members and ministries must install the French application on their phones and computers "to replace other instant messaging services" in order to strengthen communication security.

MINISTRIES WILL USE 'OLVID'

The government document also mentioned Tchap, a messaging system reserved for public officials. France's Minister for Digital Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, wrote in a social media post that the messaging application has been used by his team since July 2022. Barrot said, "In December, the entire government will use Olvid, the world's most secure instant messaging service."