The Trump administration plans to automatically install the White House app on government employees’ work phones across the executive branch. At least one agency is expected to begin installing the app as soon as next week, using internal emails indicating coverage of all government-furnished mobile phones. The app was released two months earlier and provides press releases, official media, selected news, and statistics, including a “Text President Trump” option that leads to signing up for marketing messages. The app installed on government devices is expected to be the same version available to the public. Cybersecurity experts warn the app may create privacy and security vulnerabilities, citing earlier reports of location tracking and concerns about sharing personal data with third parties.
"The Trump administration is planning to automatically install its White House app on government employees' work phones, according to a report from Government Executive. The report detailed that at least one agency will start installing the official White House app onto government devices as soon as next week, but the scope spans across "all government-furnished mobile phones in the executive branch," according to internal emails seen by Gov Exec."
"The Trump administration released the White House app two months ago, with the promise of offering "unfiltered, real-time upgrades straight from the source." When going through the app, users will find press releases and official media, along with selective news articles and statistics. The app even gives you an option to "Text President Trump," which ultimately leads to signing up for a marketing blast."
"It's not clear if the app will offer more capabilities to federal employees, but Gov Exec reported that the app being installed on government work phones will be the same exact app that the public has access to. Olivia Wales, a White House spokesperson, told the outlet that "government devices typically include pre-installed apps that provide value to government employees' day-to-day work.""
"However, the White House app could provide for privacy risks instead, according to some cybersecurity experts. Following the app's release in March, early reports found that the app used location tracking and raised concerns about how it could share personal data with third-party sources. Now that the app will be found on government employee phones, it could introduce even more security vulnerabilities."
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