Current status: Answered by Kate Forbes on 6 February 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether the revised policy on the use of WhatsApp for government business applies to ministers who may communicate with each other on non-corporate devices.
In accordance with the Scottish Ministerial Code paragraph 6.42, Ministers should use Government systems for all Government business. Any communication on Government business engages Ministers’ obligations to ensure accurate public records are kept.
The Scottish Government policy on use of mobile messaging apps can only be enforced using technical means on corporate devices connected to the Scottish Government network.