Scottish government ministers and staff will no longer be allowed to use informal mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, on official devices. This decision follows an external review prompted by concerns over data management and transparency, particularly regarding the deletion of WhatsApp messages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scottish government ministers and staff are to be banned from using informal mobile messaging apps - including WhatsApp - on official devices. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced the move on Tuesday following the publication of an external review ordered by former first minister Humza Yousaf. It came after the UK COVID inquiry revealed ministers and top civil servants had deleted WhatsApp messages exchanged during the pandemic.
Any 'non-corporate' messaging technology will be removed from Scottish government devices in spring 2025, with updated guidance and training in the run-up. The deputy first minister said: 'The use of mobile messaging apps increased during the pandemic as staff worked remotely in unprecedented and difficult circumstances. Having reflected on our working practices, we are now implementing changes to the use of mobile messaging apps.' The review was led by former Channel Islands data protection commissioner Emma Martins. Ms Forbes added: 'Ms Martins' timely review sets out some of the most challenging issues facing all governments. Work has already started to implement recommendations, and we will build on that work to ensure that data management, especially in relation to new technologies, is as robust as possible in order to continue to deliver efficient and effective public services.' Ms Martins made 20 recommendations on different areas of corporate governance, including the values of the Scottish government, its learning and development process, its recruitment procedures, records management and the use of mobile messaging apps. Improvement work is already under way, including strengthening the Scottish Ministerial Code and refreshing the mobile messaging app policy. Read more from Sky News:Humza Yousaf to step down as MSP in 2026Nicola Sturgeon comments on police probe 18 months after arrest Ms Martins said: 'Technologies are changing our lives at home and in the workplace'
Scotland Government Whatsapp Mobile Messaging Data Management Technology Review
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