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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Dan Milmo

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

Matt Hancock
Matt Hancock. The ICO launched its investigation in July last year amid concerns about the use of private messaging channels by the former health secretary. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

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.

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