White House Reportedly Forcing Its App on All Government Phones Despite Privacy Risks

There is now a new mandate for all government employees in the executive branch who own as the White House app is required to be installed on all government-issued phones, according to a new report.

However, there are recent concerns raised by cybersecurity experts who claimed that privacy risks present are on the said app, which could compromise the safety of those who were issued the device.

White House Is Forcing its App on All Gov't Phones

According to a report by the Government Executive, the Trump administration is now planning to automatically install its White House app on all government-issued mobile devices issued to executive branch employees.

It was detailed in the report that the administration has already instructed agencies to help install it on government smartphones issued to its federal employees.

The report said that in at least one agency, the White House app will be automatically downloaded to their devices starting next week. Back when the administration launched the app in March, they said that it would "[keep] you connected to President Donald J. Trump and his administration like never before."

Privacy Risks Present on White House App

That said, it was noted by the Government Executive and Engadget that cybersecurity experts have concerns about the White House app as there are privacy risks that reportedly come with it.

Early reports back when it launched in March have discovered that the app used location tracking features, and it could share personal data with third parties that remain unknown.

The White House app was first marketed to the public as a way to be close to President Trump, giving Americans direct access to livestreams, news alerts, policy initiatives, and more, said spokesperson Olivia Wales.

Now that it is being mandated to be on government-issued devices, experts are growing concerned that more vulnerabilities may appear.