WhatsApp Guidance

WhatsApp is a useful tool for communicating with partners and customers who are unable to utilise the Council’s approved internal methods of communication such as Teams or Skype for Business. Although the service provides end-to-end encryption and keeps instant message conversations secret between group members, there are still potential risks to data security.

User Guidance 

• Usage must be accordance with the Portable Device Usage Policy, Handling Personal Information Policy & Procedure and Information Security Policy
• Ensure you are communicating with correct person/group – be aware of similar names in your list of contacts
• Review membership of groups regularly
• The app is to be used for communication purposes only and not to store official documents or records – conversations may be subject to FOIA requests
• Do not send Personal Identifiable Information – there is no guarantee where the data is stored which would put you in breach of data protection law
• Do not use for your own personal social communications
• Do not allow anyone else to use your mobile device

Deployment of the app will be regulated by ICT services on a case by case basis.

Examples of use 

• Communicating with community groups where the common IM app is WhatsApp
• A stand-by group to be used in the event of an incident resulting in the loss of service of Council communication systems.