The decision aims to enforce communication rules and enhance corporate control
Banking group NatWest has taken decisive action to restrict the use of popular messaging apps on company devices. The group has blocked WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype, effectively compelling employees to rely solely on “approved channels” for business communications. This policy shift, implemented earlier this month, is part of a broader industry movement addressing concerns regarding the misuse of non-official channels for work-related matters.
In a statement, NatWest emphasized, “Like many organisations, we only permit the use of approved channels for communicating about business matters, whether internally or externally.” While the bank has long advised staff against using personal messaging platforms for business purposes, this new directive enforces the restriction by completely blocking these applications from company phones and computers.
This measure aligns with the bank’s commitment to maintaining compliance standards, ensuring that all business communication occurs on official, retrievable channels. The convenience of popular messaging platforms for personal use, while undeniable, poses significant risks to organizations. Messages sent through these services can be challenging to retrieve or may even vanish entirely, leading to a lack of transparency and potential misuse.
The banking sector has recently faced heightened regulatory scrutiny over its record-keeping practices. The issue of communication oversight has gained prominence globally, as regulators urge financial institutions to uphold transparent and accountable communication practices. A notable incident occurred in 2021 when the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) fined JP Morgan 5 million after discovering that employees frequently used unofficial apps like WhatsApp and personal devices to discuss business matters, complicating monitoring and retrieval efforts.
In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is reportedly considering an investigation into how bank employees utilize messaging services. However, the challenges of off-channel communications extend beyond the financial industry. The public sector has also faced similar issues, as highlighted by the UK Covid inquiry, which revealed that officials and ministers had deleted WhatsApp messages exchanged during the pandemic.
In 2022, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) raised serious concerns regarding the government’s use of private messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, for official business. The data watchdog called for a comprehensive review of governmental practices to mitigate potential risks to transparency and accountability.
The ICO’s investigation, primarily focused on the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), uncovered frequent use of private channels by ministers and officials. This reliance on private communications complicates the tracking and retrieval of official messages, potentially hindering public scrutiny and accountability. The ICO also underscored the necessity for adequate controls and procedures to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
