THE Scottish Government plans to stop the use of mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp on official devices.
An externally led review was called by former First Minister Humza Yousaf and was led by former Channel Islands data protection commissioner Emma Martins.
It investigated whether the use of apps was relevant in a government setting, as it had previously emerged that ministers had deleted WhatsApp messages during the UK Covid-19 inquiry.
Access to non-corporate mobile messaging apps will be banned from government devices in spring 2025.
A number of areas were under consideration, such as the value of these apps in emergency situations, and where the private lives of ministers and officials cross over with their formal, professional duties.
The deputy first minister, Kate Forbes, announced the results of the review yesterday, and said: “I am very grateful to Emma Martins for her time and insight in conducting her review.
“We have carefully considered the recommendations, and we will end the use of mobile messaging applications to conduct government business by spring 2025.
“At that point, mobile messaging apps will be removed from corporate devices.
“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.
“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.”
During the Covid inquiry it was found that several ministers, including Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney, had deleted messages referring to government business.
The government states they are committed to “openness and transparency”, with Emma Martins stating: “I was pleased to be appointed to conduct this review and I am grateful to the Scottish Government for the open and constructive way in which they have engaged with me throughout.
?“Technologies are changing our lives at home and in the workplace.
“No organisation can afford to sit back and hope that navigating those changes will come without effort.
“Values need to be clear, individuals need to engage, and governance needs to be effective.
?“The Scottish Government already understands this and there are a number of improvements already in train.
“It is my sincere hope that the recommendations in this review serve as additional fuel for that important journey.”
