Ohio AG Releases Guidance on Vanishing Chats

AG: Ohio News Releases

Published March 1st, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has released new guidance, the 2026 Yellow Book, concerning the use and preservation of 'vanishing chats' or ephemeral messaging. This guidance aims to assist businesses and consumers in understanding their obligations and rights regarding digital communications that may disappear.

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What changed

The Ohio Attorney General's office has issued the 2026 Yellow Book, providing guidance on the use and preservation of ephemeral messaging applications, commonly known as 'vanishing chats.' This guidance addresses how such communications should be handled by businesses and potentially by consumers, particularly in contexts where evidence preservation might be relevant. The release signifies a proactive step by the state to clarify expectations around digital communication methods that are designed to self-destruct.

Regulated entities and potentially consumers operating within Ohio should review this guidance to understand best practices and potential implications for record-keeping and evidence preservation. While non-binding, adherence to the Yellow Book's recommendations can help mitigate risks associated with the use of vanishing chat features. Compliance officers should assess current practices related to digital communications and consider updating policies to align with the AG's recommendations to avoid potential future issues or disputes.

What to do next

Review the 2026 Yellow Book guidance on vanishing chats.
Assess current business practices regarding the use and preservation of ephemeral messaging.
Update internal policies and training as necessary to align with guidance.

Source document (simplified)

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Media > News Releases > March 2026 > AG Yost Releases 2026 ‘Yellow Book,’ Provides Guidance for Public Officials Using Vanishing Chats

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AG Yost Releases 2026 ‘Yellow Book,’ Provides Guidance for Public Officials Using Vanishing Chats

3/16/2026

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today released the 2026 edition of the Ohio Sunshine Laws manual, which clarifies that messaging applications and platforms that automatically delete records should not be used to conduct public business.

The Sunshine Laws manual, affectionately called the “Yellow Book,” is issued annually during the national observance of Sunshine Week (March 15-21 this year). The manual is a guide to Ohio’s Public Records and Open Meetings laws and aims to help citizens and public servants understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

In the 2026 edition, the “practical pointers” for records management include this new directive: “Avoid using platforms or applications that automatically delete records.” Applications used to exchange digital communications – texts, images or videos – that automatically disappear from the recipient’s device and servers after a set time or upon being viewed should not be used for public business. Common examples of these applications include Signal, WhatsApp and Snapchat.

“Self-destructing messages are for movie characters, not public officials,” Yost said. “Using disappearing messages will only self-destruct your career and your credibility.”

Under Ohio law, whether something is public record depends on its content, not the platform used to send it. Automatically deleting communications before they can be reviewed or retained could violate the Public Records Act, the manual says, which is why such transient-messaging apps should not be used to conduct public business.

In the Yellow Book’s introduction, Yost invokes a recent Ohio case to underscore why transparency is essential. Ohio v. Wade Steen, et al involved two members of the State Teachers Retirement System who conspired about a $65 billion investment through secret communications outside of normal public board rules. In February, a judge ruled that the two had violated their fiduciary duties. Both were prohibited from serving on the STRS board in the future.

Yost writes, “ Such misconduct undermines public trust and underscores the consequences of secrecy in government: It violates the duties owed to the public and inflicts lasting damage on the strengths of our institutions.”

In addition to publishing the manual, the Public Records Unit of Yost’s office also offers free Sunshine Laws training, as does the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office. In Ohio, public officials (or a designated representative) must take this training at least once per elected term. The sessions are also open to the public.

Sunshine Week, initiated in 2005, reinforces the principles of government openness that have been cherished since the time of our Founding Fathers. The week is observed during the week that includes March 16, the birthday of James Madison, a leading advocate for government openness.

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Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113

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