Cybersecurity

Macron’s Pick of Encrypted Messaging App Isn’t What You Might Expect

Top officials use consumer products for government exchanges
President and advisers started using Telegram in 2016

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: A close-up view of the Telegram messaging app is seen on a smart phone on May 25, 2017 in London, England. Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, has been used as a secure communications tool by Islamic State. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)Photographer: Carl Court/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Marie Mawad, Helene Fouquet, and Ania Nussbaum

December 12, 2017 at 5:00 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

French President Emmanuel Macron uses the same encrypted iPhone messaging app once favored by the so-called Islamic State.

Telegram Messenger, the chatting software that’s backed by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov and attracts consumers with features such as messages that self-destruct, is also the go-to for French officials including the president, people familiar with the matter said.