Security News > 2022 > January > Swiss army bans all chat apps but locally-developed Threema
The Swiss army has banned foreign instant-messaging apps such as Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp and requires army members to use the locally-developed Threema messaging app instead. As Threema is a paid subscription communications service, the Swiss army promised to cover the annual subscription cost for all soldiers, which is roughly $4.40 per user.
The Swiss army has also posted recommendations on Facebook, characterizing Threema as a secure ad-free communication tool that features end-to-end encryption and leaves no digital trace.
Although the troops are expected to follow the official instruction, there are no current penalties if army members use foreign IM apps.
Swiss officials underlined the most important difference is that Threema isn't subject to the U.S. Cloud Act, which was passed in 2018 "Hidden" inside a budget spending bill.
Being a user of Threema himself, Steiger added that the Swiss army's move is in the right direction but is not going all the way.
"Using Threema is commendable. However, they do not use Threema Work as in other parts of the Swiss federal administration. They merely ask military personnel to use Threema as private users and get reimbursed for the app price. Threema Work has administration and management features for companies etc," further explained Steiger.