ICO urges ministers to review use of Whatsapp and other private channels

UK data watchdog said there had been extensive use of such channels within the health department, which risked transparency

The UK data watchdog has urged ministers to review the use of private correspondence channels after reprimanding the Department of Health and Social Care for sharing official information via WhatsApp, texts and private email accounts.

The Information Commissioner's Office said there had been extensive use of such channels within the department, which represented real risks to accountability and transparency within government.