WhatsApp to be removed from Scottish Government devices following external review

Mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, will be removed from Scottish Government devices as a new policy comes into effect on Friday.

The new Holyrood policy states mobile messaging apps and non-corporate communication channels will not be permitted on government devices.

The policy has been rolled out to all government employees, including contractors, senior civil servants, special advisers, and ministers.

The announcement follows an externally-led review of the use of mobile messaging apps in December last year, which had been ordered by former first minister Humza Yousaf.

The Scottish Government was previously criticised when it emerged ministers and top civil servants had deleted WhatsApp messages which had been requested by the UK-wide Covid-19 Inquiry.

“We are setting out a clear approach to ending government use of mobile messaging apps, and this will support wider work to deliver on our commitment to openness and transparency,” deputy first minister Kate Forbes 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 such apps.”

Forbes previously stated: “Government business should happen on Government systems which are secure, searchable and allow the appropriate sharing of information, in line with our statutory duties.

“I want to reassure the public that it is a priority of this government to maintain secure and searchable data, ensuring compliance with all records management rules. We will continue to act to ensure our data policies are robust, especially considering technological advances.”

A small number of business areas will take part in a time-bound and limited transition period until the end of 2025. This includes areas responding to emergencies such as wildfires or for matters of safety and security.