Policy on Deletion of Messages on Apps during Covid-19: FOI release

Information requested

1. Provide full and transparent details on 'the government policy used to permit the deliberate deletion of public data, and evidence, from Whatsapp during COVID" expressed by Anas Sarwar during First Ministers Questions - 20th November 2025 in Hollyrood.

First Minister John Swinney's response was, and I quote: "...Took actions consistent with Scottish Government Policy".

2. Please also provide any recorded details on the date and time of the supposed deletion, names of other ministers involved either directly or as part or a group within Whatsapp.

3. Can you confirm if Whatsapp is an approved communication medium for official communication of ministers and their legal duties and responsibilities.

Response

1. Provide full and transparent details on 'the government policy used to permit the deliberate deletion of public data, and evidence, from WhatsApp during COVID" expressed by Anas Sarwar during First Ministers Questions - 20th November 2025 in Hollyrood. First Minister John Swinney's response was, and I quote: "...Took actions consistent with Scottish Government Policy".

Attached to this response is the policy regarding use of mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, that was in place during COVID. This policy covers the responsibilities, information governance and recommended actions when using these applications.

2. Please also provide any recorded details on the date and time of the supposed deletion, names of other ministers involved either directly or as part or a group within WhatsApp.

Our aim is to provide information whenever possible. However, the Scottish Government does not have the information you have asked for - “recorded details on the date and time of the supposed deletion, names of other ministers involved either directly or as part or a group within Whatsapp”.
This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

You may find it helpful to note that Ministerial WhatsApp messages published by the Scottish Government can be found here.

3. Can you confirm if WhatsApp is an approved communication medium for official communication of inisters and their legal duties and responsibilities.

We can confirm that the use of mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, for everyday government work is no longer permitted. The Scottish Government provides users and contractors with corporate devices and services which are to be used for the conduct of everyday government work. In circumstances where corporate devices and services are unavailable, users and contractors should use the necessary means of communication for a limited time until the network, devices or services become available. In these circumstances, all communications should be captured, retained, time and date stamped, along with details about the communication method used.

Please see the link to the current Usage and Policy Guidance on mobile messaging apps for your information and review. This was published on the Scottish Government website on 20th of June 2025. Mobile messaging apps - usage and policy: guidance - gov.scot

Also attached for your reference is the ministerial code that is referred to in our guidance: Scottish Ministerial Code 2024 edition.

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