Mamdani Staff Used Encrypted Apps for City Business
New York City staffers reportedly used encrypted messaging to coordinate with social media influencers.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in City Hall
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Staff members in the Mamdani administration allegedly used the Signal messaging app to contact roughly 200 social media influencers. This activity occurred despite a formal order prohibiting the use of such platforms for official city business.
Why it matters
The administrative ban on encrypted apps was intended to ensure compliance with city record-keeping laws. Using these platforms prevented the preservation of communications that were intended to generate favorable social media coverage for the mayor.
Staff members bypassed an administrative ban on encrypted apps to coordinate with 200 influencers. The City Council examined these communications during a hearing held on September 22.
The players
Mamdani administration
This is the current executive office governing New York City.
Emilia Rowland
She is a staff member who was identified for using Signal to communicate with social media influencers.
Ramzi Kassem
He serves as the chief counsel for the administration and issued a statement regarding messaging policies.
New York City Council
This is the legislative body of New York City that conducted the hearing on influencer communications.
The details
Emilia Rowland and other staff members utilized Signal to manage messaging with outside influencers, setting the app to auto-delete messages to avoid record-keeping requirements. While Chief counsel Ramzi Kassem publicly claimed no such city policy exists against using Signal, the administration had previously issued a formal order banning the practice.
Timeline
January 15, 2026: Staff were ordered not to use Signal or WhatsApp for work.
Early March 2026: The administration conducted policy training for staff regarding messaging.
September 22, 2026: City Council held a hearing regarding the influencer communications.
Political Context
Opponents and City Council members argue that using ephemeral messaging services undermines the intent of New York City record-keeping laws. They contend that public officials have a duty to maintain transparent and accessible archives of all government-related communications.
The controversy raises questions for taxpayers about how city resources are used to manage the mayor's public image. Residents may see increased scrutiny from the City Council regarding the transparency and accountability of administration staff.
The takeaway
Transparency in government relies on the consistent documentation of official outreach efforts to prevent the bypass of public record laws. Future compliance will likely depend on stricter oversight of how staff members utilize personal communication devices for city business.
Further reading
Learn more about local governance issues at City Hall.
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