Encrypted Messaging Applications and Political Messaging: How They Work and Why Understanding Them is Important for Combating Global Disinformation

This report provides an overview of how various EMAs work, a review of popular EMAs and their notable features (LINE, Signal, Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp, and WeChat), and examples of how EMAs have been used for political manipulation

Active

Since 2023

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

Encrypted messaging applications (EMAs), such as WhatsApp and Signal, are utilized in the spread of political misinformation in the U.S. and around the world. However, general understanding of how they work and the differences between their features is often low. The Center for Media Engagement aims to provide valuable knowledge for journalists, policymakers, activists, and the public about the role EMAs play in the manipulation of public opinion. To this end, this report provides: An overview of how various EMAs work A review of popular EMAs and their notable features (LINE, Signal, Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp, and WeChat) Examples of how EMAs have been used for political manipulation Traditional social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook play a key role in politics and have impacted elections worldwide. Hidden communication spaces such as EMAs play a critical role as safe havens for democratic activism and information sharing amid growing surveillance. However, there is also mounting evidence of EMAs’ role in the spread of political propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Therefore, there is a crucial need for research in this area — curbing political manipulation on EMAs will require new, nuanced approaches that differ from existing efforts on more public platforms.