A judge won't let Sam Bankman-Fried use any messaging apps that auto-delete texts

Thu, 02/09/2023 - 12:41

sam bankman fried bail — Former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried, who faces fraud charges over the collapse of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, is not allowed to use Signal or WhatsApp since they feature auto-deleting text options.
REUTERS/Mike Segar

A federal judge in New York banned Sam Bankman-Fried from using messaging apps that auto-delete texts.
Prosecutors said Bankman-Fried used the encryption app Signal to send messages while detained at his parents' home.
Bankman-Fried has been released on a $250 million bail package while awaiting trial.

A federal judge in New York ruled on Thursday that Sam Bankman-Fried shouldn't use messaging apps that can auto-delete text messages.

US District Judge Lewis Kaplan extended his ruling blocking Bankman-Fried from using the apps while he considers how the former FTX CEO should be allowed to communicate with others ahead of his criminal trial.