Britain ought to evaluation using WhatsApp, personal emails and different messaging apps by ministers and authorities officers after an investigation discovered “insufficient knowledge safety” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, its knowledge safety watchdog stated on Monday.
The Data Commissioner’s Workplace (ICO) stated the evaluation ought to study the “systemic dangers” round using personal correspondence channels and to make sure enhancements have been made.
“I perceive the worth of on the spot communication that one thing like WhatsApp can deliver, notably throughout the pandemic the place officers have been pressured to make fast selections and work to satisfy various calls for.” stated John Edwards, the UK Data Commissioner.
“Nevertheless, the value of utilizing these strategies, though not in opposition to the regulation, should not end in a scarcity of transparency and insufficient knowledge safety,” he added.
The advice follows a year-long investigation into using such messaging channels by authorities ministers and officers on the Division of Well being and Social Care (DHSC) throughout the COVID pandemic.
The IOC stated the investigation discovered a “lack of clear controls” and the potential of essential data “being misplaced or insecurely dealt with”.
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