The HOUTHI PC SMALL GROUP Act of 2025 makes it a federal crime to knowingly share classified information on messaging apps, punishable by fines and/or up to 10 years in prison.
Ritchie Torres
Representative
NY-15
The HOUTHI PC SMALL GROUP Act of 2025 aims to prevent the sharing of classified information through mobile or desktop messaging applications. The bill amends Title 18 of the United States Code to establish penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals who knowingly transmit classified information via these platforms. This legislation seeks to enhance the security of sensitive government data and prevent unauthorized disclosures.
New Bill Targets Messaging Apps: Sharing Classified Info Could Mean 10 Years Behind Bars
A new piece of legislation, the HOUTHI PC SMALL GROUP Act of 2025, proposes adding a serious offense to the federal law books. It aims to amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code by creating Section 798B, making it a federal crime to knowingly share classified information using any mobile or desktop messaging application. If enacted, breaking this rule could lead to significant fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Your Work Chat Just Got More Complicated
This bill directly targets the digital tools many use daily. Think about apps like Signal, WhatsApp, Slack, or even standard text messages – the language covers "mobile or desktop messaging application[s]" broadly. The key issue here is the term "classified information." What exactly falls under this umbrella isn't always crystal clear, and critics often point out that information can sometimes be over-classified. This vagueness raises questions: could an employee face charges for inadvertently sharing something they didn't realize was classified, or something that shouldn't have been classified in the first place? The bill hinges on the word "knowingly," but proving intent can be complex in legal settings.
Who Feels the Chill?
While aimed at preventing leaks that could harm national security, the potential ripple effects are worth considering. Government employees who rely on messaging apps for quick communication might become overly cautious, potentially slowing down workflows. More significantly, this legislation could create major hurdles for whistleblowers attempting to expose waste, fraud, or abuse through secure channels. If sharing information deemed classified—even if it reveals misconduct—carries a decade-long prison sentence, individuals might be deterred from coming forward.
Journalists also operate in this space, often receiving tips and documents from sources via encrypted messaging apps. This law could potentially put reporters at risk or make sources hesitant to share information vital to public knowledge and government accountability. While the stated goal is protecting secrets, the practical application could significantly impact the flow of information and the ability to hold power accountable, depending heavily on how strictly and fairly this new section is enforced.