Scottish Government to remove WhatsApp from all official devices
20/06/2025 | The National
The Scottish Government has announced a ban on WhatsApp and similar messaging apps from all official devices. This decision, announced by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, follows an external review led by former Data Protection Commissioner Emma Martins, which concluded in December 2024.
The new policy applies to ministers, special advisors, senior civil servants, and contractors. While some government agencies will have a transition period until late 2025, the move aims to enhance openness and transparency in government communications, aligning with broader corporate governance improvements that underpin a commitment to openness and transparency.
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