Scottish Government ending use of WhatsApp after Covid inquiry criticism
The Government had previously agreed to end its use of WhatsApp and other non-official messaging applications by spring next year.
Opposition MSPs have said the new policy is a 'clear admission' from the Government that the pandemic deletions were wrong.
The policy comes into force on Friday though some teams will continue to phase out the app by the end of the year.
As part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, it emerged ministers and top civil servants deleted WhatsApp messages which had been requested by the inquiry team.
Nicola Sturgeon has come under fire from Opposition MSPs for her WhatsApp deletions (Andrew Milligan/PA)
The Conservatives attacked former first minister Nicola Sturgeon in particular for deleting messages, though she said they did not relate to Government business.
Her successor, Humza Yousaf, ordered a review of mobile messaging which was carried out by Emma Martins – the former Channel Islands data protection commissioner.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the policy will apply to all Scottish Government employees, including contractors, senior civil servants, special advisers and ministers.
Kate Forbes said securing data is a priority for the Scottish Government (Jane Barlow/PA)
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's 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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