WhatsApp and other mobile messaging apps are to be removed from Scottish Government devices.

The move follows sustained criticism over the deletion of messages requested by the UK-wide Covid-19 Inquiry, and forms part of a broader push to reinforce transparency and data compliance across government.

The policy, introduced by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, will ban the use of mobile messaging apps and non-corporate communication channels on all official devices. It applies to all Scottish Government employees, including contractors, senior civil servants, special advisers and ministers.

The decision follows an externally-led review of mobile messaging practices commissioned in December 2023 by then first minister Humza Yousaf. That review was conducted by Emma Martins, former data protection commissioner for the Channel Islands.

The Scottish Government had faced backlash after it emerged that some ministers and senior officials had deleted WhatsApp messages requested by the Covid-19 Inquiry.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes commented: “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.

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“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.”

While the policy comes into effect immediately, a limited number of business areas – such as emergency response and public safety – will operate under a time-bound transition period until the end of 2025.