Emerging
Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 191
56%
White House App Automatically Installed on DHS Devices Amid Security Concerns
The White House app, known for security and privacy issues, is being automatically installed on more official government devices, including those used by the Department of Homeland Security and the FAA. The app, a wrapper for the White House website, uses third-party code and has raised concerns among security experts and privacy advocates.
Quick Facts
- Automatic installation of White House app on government devices
- Use of third-party code from Elfsight
- Data sharing with third-party services
- Security review of Elfsight by White House IT
- White House
The White House app, a mobile wrapper for the official White House website, is being automatically installed on an expanding number of U.S. government devices, including those used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), despite documented security and privacy shortcomings.
An email sent to DHS employees and obtained by Politico confirms that the app will be automatically added to all government-issued devices. The email describes the app as "a convenient way to access official White House communications, including announcements, executive actions, speeches, livestreams, videos, and other updates." This follows a similar rollout last month to all FAA-issued iPhones and iPads.
Security researchers and privacy advocates have raised alarms about the app's practices. The application reportedly loads code from third-party repositories and uses software from Elfsight, a company founded in Russia. The White House has stated that "Elfsight went through a full security review by White House IT and was approved for use," though previous incidents have seen Elfsight expose some White House staffers' personal information, which the White House attributed to a "vulnerability on Elfsight’s side."
Beyond third-party code concerns, the app shares user data such as time zone, IP address, and phone model with third-party services. Critics argue that automatically installing an app with such documented issues on devices used by DHS and FAA employees presents significant data protection and privacy risks.
The Trump administration has been actively pushing for the app to be installed on federal agencies' devices, but the move has been met with skepticism given the app's limited functionality and security track record.
Why This Matters
For government employees using DHS or FAA devices, automatic installation of an app with documented security flaws means their work devices now transmit data—such as IP addresses and device models—to third-party services without explicit user consent. This raises risks of data leakage and unauthorized access, particularly given Elfsight's prior vulnerability incidents. Readers should be aware that sensitive governmental communications may be compromised.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireDHS email confirms automatic installation of the app on all government devices.
Jun 18, 2026
WireArticle published by Android Authority detailing the expansion and security concerns.