The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is currently conducting an internal review of city employees’ use of Google Chat messages that automatically disappear after 24 hours. This investigation comes as a response to concerns raised by the Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition, a community group involved in a legal battle over the construction of a home in Mount Washington.
The coalition discovered the use of disappearing messages during litigation and raised alarm over the potential implications on transparency and compliance with the California Public Records Act. Critics argue that the practice allows city officials to circumvent public scrutiny and accountability by deleting crucial communication records within a short timeframe.
City officials have confirmed that employees have been using this feature for both internal and external communications, raising questions about how it aligns with state laws and the city’s own document retention policies. According to Jamie T. Hall, an attorney representing the coalition, the deliberate deletion of records undermines democracy and creates opportunities for corruption within the city government.
Discovery of Disappearing Messages
The disappearing chat feature was brought to light through a lawsuit filed by the Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition, which alleged unfair practices in the approval of a construction project in Mount Washington. Documents obtained during the discovery process revealed memos from the city’s Information Technology Agency outlining the auto-deletion feature in Google Chat messages.
Expert Concerns and Legal Implications
Ethics and transparency expert Sean McMorris expressed concerns that the practice of automatically deleting messages may violate local and state laws. The lack of retention makes it challenging to determine whether the messages are subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, potentially hindering public access to critical information.
Call for Accountability
The Times’ investigation revealed widespread use of Google Chat among city employees for both personal and professional communications. Requests for records from city officials’ offices uncovered discussions ranging from mundane matters to city business, sparking further scrutiny over compliance with public records laws.
In response to mounting pressure, the city attorney’s office has committed to conducting an internal investigation and briefing the City Council on record retention policies. The Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition continues to advocate for transparency and accountability in government operations, emphasizing the public’s right to access information about its elected officials’ activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Mount Washington and concerned citizens across Los Angeles await answers about the city’s commitment to preserving public records and upholding transparency in its communication practices. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
