Mayor Zohran Mamdani was questioned this week about his administration’s reported use of the encrypted messaging app Signal to communicate with social media influencers who help share City Hall messaging.
According to the Columbia Journalism Review, the chat group is reportedly used to share daily talking points, video clips and updates about City Hall initiatives with more than 200 creators.
Use of the encrypted app, known for its disappearing message feature, is raising concerns about properly preserving communications under city records and freedom of information laws.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Mamdani said his administration would comply with all legal record-keeping requirements and investigate any potential violations.
“My administration will always strive to fully comply with all legal requirements, including those that relate to the preservation of city records,” Mamdani said. “And if there are any departures from what is legally required, my administration will look into it immediately and take corrective action.”
Meanwhile, former Independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden has called for a Department of Investigation probe into whether city resources were used to operate the influencer network and whether the use of Signal complied with record retention rules.
