All of those functions could be optional, and configurable (for example encryption on or off). Unencrypted SOS messages (messages anyone could read) would not compromise other parts of the mesh.
Some examples and discussion: Option for chat rooms and unencrypted messages
Github issue: https://github.com/meshtastic/Meshtastic-device/issues/104
Safety for an average hiker, or safety for a reporter in a non-permissive environment might mean different things: Certainty of SOS messages readability for some, and total message encryption for others.
Luckily, @geeksville, and other participants, have done a great job to make Meshtastic as versatile as possible. I feel confident the project will continue this way. 