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Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Monday, 2 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. It was answered by Jake Richards (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Ministry of Justice: WhatsApp

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether it is his Department's policy that (a) Ministers and (b) special advisers use the disappearing messages function on Whatsapp on Government devices.

Answer

The Ministry of Justice's Information Management Policy explains that non-corporate communication channels such as WhatsApp 'must not be used unless absolutely necessary'. The policy directs staff to the Non-corporate communication channels for government business guidance, which is the primary guidance that ministers and officials should follow. Recordkeeping responsibilities are listed in paragraphs 19 to 24.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116695
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Ministers Special advisers Ministry of Justice WhatsApp
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk