UK watchdog seeks review into government use of WhatsApp, messaging apps

Britain should review the use of WhatsApp, private emails and other messaging apps by ministers and government

Britain should review the use of WhatsApp, private emails and other messaging apps by ministers and government officials after an investigation found "inadequate data security" during the COVID-19 pandemic, Qazet.az reports according to its data protection watchdog.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said the review should examine the "systemic risks" around the use of private correspondence channels and to ensure improvements were made.

"I understand the value of instant communication that something like WhatsApp can bring, particularly during the pandemic where officials were forced to make quick decisions and work to meet varying demands." said John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner.

"However, the price of using these methods, although not against the law, must not result in a lack of transparency and inadequate data security," he added.