In response to the growing use of Instant Messaging (IM) and text messaging, NASCIO examines the privacy implications of these technologies in its new research brief, TLK2UL8R: The Privacy Implications of Instant and Text Messaging Technologies in State Government. The title of the brief refers to the abbreviated lingo that has developed in IM and text messaging communications. It means, in non-IM terms, "Talk to you later." The brief is available at https://www.nascio.org/nascioCommittees/privacy/instantMessagingBrief.pdf.

Instant Messaging (IM) technologies allow users to communicate in real-time with other IM users online via text messages. Consumers' growing use of IM via their computers, cell phones, PDAs and other wireless devices for personal communications with friends and family has acted as a catalyst for the introduction of IM into state government. IM can improve employee communications, particularly for time-sensitive matters. However, it raises questions similar to email in terms of maintaining the privacy and security of communications and retaining the communications for purposes of open records law compliance.

NASCIO represents state chief information officers and information resource executives and managers from the 50 states, six U. S. territories, and the District of Columbia. State members are senior officials from any of the three branches of state government who have executive-level and statewide responsibility for information resource management. Representatives from federal, municipal, and international governments and state officials who are involved in information resource management but do not have chief responsibility for that function participate in the organization as associate members. Private-sector firms and non-profit organizations may join as corporate members.