UK Reviewing Messaging App Security For Officials

UK should review WhatsApp use for officials. (photo: doc. pixabay)

JAKARTA - Britain must review the use of WhatsApp, private email, and other messaging apps by ministers and government officials after an investigation found "insufficient data security" during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was revealed by the country's data protection watchdog, Monday, July 11.

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

"I understand the value of instant communication that something like WhatsApp can bring, especially during a pandemic where officials are forced to make quick decisions and work to meet multiple demands," said John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, as quoted by Reuters.

"However, the cost of using these methods, even if they are not unlawful, should not result in a lack of transparency and inadequate data security," he added.

The recommendations follow a year-long investigation into the use of such messaging channels by ministers and government officials in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) during the COVID pandemic.

The IOC said the investigation found a "clear lack of control" and potentially critical information "lost or handled in an unsafe manner".