Covid messages storm sparks ban on WhatsApp

JOHN Swinney has banned the use of WhatsApp on government phones after a furious backlash over the deletion of Covid messages.

- PAUL HUTCHEON and CHRIS McCALL

SNP ministers will no longer be able to use mobile messaging apps on official devices from April 2025, after a review.

Bereaved families were furious that former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, Swinney and top civil servants destroyed their WhatsApp messages during the pandemic.

The shock revelation came out during the UK Covid Inquiry and Ministers were accused of covering up the truth behind key pandemic decisions.

A probe was ordered and WhatsApp and other platforms will now be scrapped for government business.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "One of the key questions asked in the review was around the use of mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp.

"The report provides a clear recommendation in this regard. We have taken the decision to end the use of mobile messaging applications across the Scottish Government. This will happen by spring 2025.