Guidance

Non-corporate communication channels for government business

Using non-corporate communication channels (e.g. WhatsApp, private email, SMS) for government business.

• From: Cabinet Office
• Published: 30 March 2023

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Using non-corporate communication channels (e.g. WhatsApp, private email, SMS) for government business

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The guidance expresses government policy on the use of non-corporate communications channels.

The guidance is a framework for individuals (ministers, officials, and others) to make informed judgements about whether to use such channels. It requires them to exercise professional judgement; assessing the context and significance of information; its sensitivity and the security of the device and channel being used.

The guidance also explains the recordkeeping, transparency, security and data protection considerations and promotes good practice with the following goals:

• To facilitate efficient day-to-day government discussions in a modern way;
• To reduce risks to the security of information;
• To comply with the principles of good government.

Published 30 March 2023