New federal crime: sharing classified info on Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram.

What it does

This bill creates a new federal crime: knowingly sharing classified information via mobile or desktop messaging apps (like Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage). Violators face up to 10 years in prison and fines. The bill amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to add this offense to the espionage statutes.

Why we flagged it

The bill's operative mechanism is a straightforward criminal-law amendment adding a new felony for classified-information disclosure via messaging apps. It is not a rider or hidden provision—it does exactly what the short title claims, though the long title's backronym is unusual.

What the text implies

• No explicit exemption for lawful whistleblowing, inspector-general disclosures, or congressional notification—prosecutors may interpret the statute to criminalize protected disclosures to oversight bodies or the press.
• The phrase 'any classified information' is extremely broad and does not distinguish between information classified at different levels or information whose disclosure would cause varying degrees of harm.
• Messaging apps store metadata (timestamps, participants, device info); the bill may incentivize law enforcement to demand access to encrypted platforms or metadata, raising Fourth Amendment and privacy concerns.
• The statute does not require proof of intent to harm the United States or benefit a foreign power—only 'knowingly' communicates classified info—potentially criminalizing accidental or negligent disclosures.
• The backronym title ('HOUTHI PC SMALL GROUP') appears designed to signal opposition to a specific geopolitical actor or group, which may signal legislative intent to target particular types of classified disclosures (e.g., intelligence on Houthi operations) rather than espionage broadly.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

The bill protects national security by criminalizing a specific vector for classified-information leaks, which serves the public interest in preventing espionage and protecting intelligence sources. However, the broad language ('communicates...any classified information') may chill legitimate whistleblowing, internal reporting, or lawful oversight communications, and lacks explicit carve-outs for protected speech, inspector-general disclosures, or congressional notification—creating a chilling e

Named in the bill

U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Community, Title 18 U.S. Code, Chapter 37 (Espionage Statutes)

Where it stands

• Apr 2, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Apr 2, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.