Welcome to the archive of past Child-Maltreatment-Research-L (CMRL) list serve messages (11,000+).
The table below contains all past CMRL messages (text only, no attachments) from Nov. 20,
1996 - August 5, 2025 and is updated every two months.
Instructions:
Postings are listed for browsing with the newest messages first. Click on the linked ID number to open a message.
Hi Jane! The phone itself is not the real problem…SMS is an inherently insecure technology, like sending postcards through the mail. Anyone can intercept and read. The three primary options are using popup messages via secure apps installed on participants’ devices (you want an app with end-to-end encryption, like WhatsApp or iMessage); texting links to secure sites that require sign-in, from which they can retrieve messages; and use of agreed-upon euphemisms. You of course also have to include any risk in consent forms (e.g., …”we’re using a secure system that keeps others from seeing these text messages, but someone who has access to your phone might see them”). It’s fairly standard to use an app with end-to-end encryption, then make sure the participant is aware of the risks if they don’t protect their phone, give others access, etc.; and to also use the least incriminating language possible without euphemizing your efforts into oblivion.
Hope this helps.
Steve
From: bounce-124574227-8073363@list.cornell.edu On Behalf Of Silovsky, Jane F. (HSC)
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 6:16 AM
To: Child Maltreatment Researcher List (CMRL)
Subject: secure texting with participants
What strategies and policies do research teams have in place to allow texting of research participants and keep this process secure? We previously have used encrypted cell phones for texting, but now have been told this isn’t secure enough because the cell phones of the participant isn’t encrypted. Participants do not want to be managing multiple devices. Any recommendations?
Jane Silovsky
Hi Jane! The phone itself is not the real problem…SMS is an inherently insecure technology, like sending postcards through the mail. Anyone can intercept and read. The three primary options are using popup messages via secure apps installed on participants’ devices (you want an app with end-to-end encryption, like WhatsApp or iMessage); texting links to secure sites that require sign-in, from which they can retrieve messages; and use of agreed-upon euphemisms. You of course also have to include any risk in consent forms (e.g., …”we’re using a secure system that keeps others from seeing these text messages, but someone who has access to your phone might see them”). It’s fairly standard to use an app with end-to-end encryption, then make sure the participant is aware of the risks if they don’t protect their phone, give others access, etc.; and to also use the least incriminating language possible without euphemizing your efforts into oblivion.
Hope this helps.
Steve
From: bounce-124574227-8073363list.cornell.edu On Behalf Of Silovsky, Jane F. (HSC)
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 6:16 AM
To: Child Maltreatment Researcher List (CMRL)
Subject: secure texting with participants
What strategies and policies do research teams have in place to allow texting of research participants and keep this process secure? We previously have used encrypted cell phones for texting, but now have been told this isn’t secure enough because the cell phones of the participant isn’t encrypted. Participants do not want to be managing multiple devices. Any recommendations?
Jane Silovsky
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