The Scottish Government has given a “clear admission” that its use of WhatsApp and deletion of messages during the pandemic was wrong, the Conservatives have said. It comes after Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced the Government will end its use of WhatsApp and other non-official messaging applications by spring next year.
The Government was criticised when it emerged ministers and top civil servants deleted WhatsApp messages which had been requested by the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. As a result of a review ordered by former first minister Humza Yousaf, the use of mobile messaging apps will come to an end.
On Tuesday, Ms Forbes told MSPs: “One of the key questions asked in the review was around the use of mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp. “The report provides a clear recommendation in this regard. We have taken the decision to end the use of mobile messaging applications across the Scottish Government. This will happen by spring 2025.
“Government business should happen on Government systems which are secure, searchable and allow the appropriate sharing of information, in line with our statutory duties. “Scottish Government ministers and staff will not be permitted to use WhatsApp, or any other non-corporate communications channel, to conduct Government business.
“To give effect to this, non-corporate mobile messaging applications will, by spring, be removed from devices and our technical environment configured so that they cannot be used.”. She also said the Government will produce “very clear guidelines” on what is permitted to ensure staff follow the new rules.
