Encrypted messaging apps promise privacy. Government transparency is often the price

While apps like Signal promise increased security and privacy, they often skirt open records laws meant to increase transparency around and public awareness of government decision-making. — AP

As a devastating wildfire burned through a Maui town, killing more than 100 people, emergency management employees traded dozens of text messages, creating a record that would later help investigators piece together the government's response to the 2023 tragedy.

One text exchange hinted officials might also be using a second, untraceable messaging service.