Signal Communications
Peter Ituma made this Official Information request to Government Communications Security Bureau
This request has an unknown status. We're waiting for Peter Ituma to read recent responses and update the status.
From: Peter Ituma
Dear Government Communications Security Bureau,
Following the story of the US administration’s use of the app Signal I am interested in learning more about the GCSB’s use of the app and phone communication in general.
Are there policies in place to regulate the downloading of third party apps such as Signal?
What security measures are in place to encrypt information that is sent from one GCSB mobile device to another?
What happens if a GCSB mobile device is lost?
How often are GCSB mobile devices replaced?
Are these the same policies/practices/protocol applied at NZSIS and NAB?
I expect that communication regularly takes place between the Director-General of the GCSB and the Director-General of NZSIS. How many phones calls were made/received so far in 2025?
How many text messages were sent/received? Is it possible to have the text messages, or to be advised what the subject matter was about?
I am interested in text messages / iMessages / WhatsApp messages / Signal messages between the two parties, as well as with Nicky Haslem, so far in 2025.
I am interested in the text messages/ iMessages / WhatApp messages / Signal messages between the GCSB Director-General and Minister Collins, so far in 2025.
I understand that for security reasons you may not be able to release all the information to me. But I appreciate you considering my request.
From: Information (GCSB)
Government Communications Security Bureau
Tēnā koe,
Thank you for your Official Information Act request.
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than 20 working days after the day that your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact [GCSB request email].
Ngā mihi,
GCSB
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From: Information (GCSB)
Government Communications Security Bureau
Kia ora Peter
Can you please clarify your fifth question regarding policies / practices / protocols applied at the NZSIS and NAB. Are you referring to mobile devices only, or third party apps as well?
Ngā mihi
GCSB
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From: Information (GCSB)
Government Communications Security Bureau
Kia ora Peter
We refer to your official information request of 25 March 2025 asking for information the GCSB holds about Signal communications and mobile devices.
It will not be possible to meet the 20-working day time limit required by the Official Information Act and we are, therefore, writing to notify you of an extension of the time to make our decision, to 9 May 2025. This extension is made under section 15A(1)(b) of the OIA, and is necessary because the consultations needed to make a decision on your request are such that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi
GCSB
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