Tackling off-channel communications? Don’t forget ephemeral messaging
By 
Aaron Nicodemus2023-12-11T17:42:00
As if creating policies and procedures to handle employee use of off-channel communications is not difficult enough, there is a subset of channels that can be even more nettlesome: ephemeral messaging.
Ephemeral messaging platforms are apps and electronic communication channels where messages are automatically deleted after a set time. Examples include WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, and Signal.
Some ephemeral communications apps, like WhatsApp, also feature end-to-end encryption, which can make it difficult to recover messages in transit. Both the automatic deletion and encryption features of these apps complicate the recovery of evidence during a corporate internal investigation or when complying with a request for information or subpoena.
Related articles
-
PremiumSurvey: Social media remains vexing issue for financial firms
A recent survey by surveillance technology firm SteelEye found most financial institutions do not monitor their employees’ use of social media or factor in market risks exacerbated by social media posts.
-
News BriefAmeriprise expecting $50M SEC fine over off-channel comms
Ameriprise Financial disclosed it recorded a $50 million accrual related to the resolution of a Securities and Exchange Commission probe into use of off-channel communications by its employees for conducting business.
-
News BriefLatest SEC off-channel comms sweep nets $81M in fines against 16 firms
The ongoing off-channel communications sweep by the Securities and Exchange Commission netted 16 more broker-dealers and investment advisers, with the latest wave of fines totaling more than $81 million.
More from Risk Management
-
ArticleCompliance should protect firms from AI-washing investigations and insurance claims
Insurance firms are warning that AI-washing could trigger a slew of cases against directors, and are adjusting their directors’ and officers’ liability premiums accordingly. With regulators cracking down on AI-washing, compliance could be a crucial line of defense and save companies on their insurance costs.
-
News BriefAI hallucinations in Deloitte Australia report highlight important role for compliance
“Hallucinatory” citations and errors in an AI-assisted report produced by Deloitte for the Australian government should be a wake-up call for compliance officers about the risks of placing too much trust in AI.
-
ArticleHow food and beverage companies adjust to the throes of tariff woes
On-again-off-again tariffs, a down economy, and a long list of global supply chain disruptions are challenging U.S. food and beverage companies to adjust their supply chain operations in a variety of ways.