Finally, SNP bans WhatsApp from official mobiles in wake of deleted messages scandal
The use of WhatsApp on Scottish Government devices has been banned following the Covid inquiry deleted messages scandal.
The SNP Government confirmed that a new policy which ensures mobile message apps like WhatsApp are removed from its phones, tablets and laptops came into effect yesterday (FRI).
It applies to all government employees, including ministers, special advisers, civil servants and contractors.
But concerns were raised that the move will not be enough to remove the 'secrecy and evasion' culture in the Scottish Government.
During the UK Covid-19 inquiry, it was revealed that former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon 's messages from throughout the pandemic had been deleted, and that national clinical director Jason Leitch said in a private message that 'WhatsApp deletion is a pre-bed ritual'.
It led to claims that claims that there was an 'industrial-scale' deletion policy at the Scottish Government in an attempt to avoid scrutiny.
Announcing that the new policy restricting mobile messaging apps on Government devices yesterday, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said it was part of a 'commitment to openness and transparency'.
Scottish Conservative MSP Craig Hoy said: 'This is as close as we'll get to an apology from the SNP for the shameful, industrial-scale deletion of Covid WhatsApp messages which was orchestrated by John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon.
'This change in policy is all well and good but the horse has already bolted for bereaved families who were denied the answers they deserved over the decisions taken by SNP ministers during the pandemic.
'Secrecy and evasion are hardwired into this SNP government, so the Scottish people will not be duped into thinking one overdue concession marks a change in culture.'
The new policy states that mobile messaging apps and non-corporate communication channels will not be permitted on government devices.
A small number of business areas will be given a 'transition period' until the end of the year, including those responsible for responding to emergencies such as wildfires or for matters of safety and security.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: 'None of this changes the fact that the Scottish Government deleted WhatsApp messages on a wholesale basis throughout the pandemic.
'In doing so, they denied the Covid bereaved a full understanding of the decisions that were made, undermining their search for justice and closure.
'The SNP will have to move mountains before people can be confident this deception won't happen again.'
Ms Forbes said: '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.
'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.
'This follows on from actions to implement other recommendations from Ms Martins' externally-led review including updating our hybrid working policy.
'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.'
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