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Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

US Politics

US Politics

U.S. officials used Signal to share war plans. What is the messaging app and is it safe?

Los Angeles Times
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The Atlantic editor in chief of the Atlantic was accidentally invited to a group chat on the messaging app Signal .

Signal is a free app that uses end-to-end encryption because it doesn't use ads and doesn't track user data.

Experts are weighing in on whether the average user should consider Signal as an option for your everyday communication.

"In cybersecurity, the weakest link is often the human element." While Signal is the top recommendation among security experts, other apps offer encrypted messaging with varying trade-offs: The best choice depends on your specific needs, your threat model and what platforms your contacts use, because encryption works only if both parties use the same secure platform. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times ..