regulatory framework Archives

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Messaging apps: a report on Australian Government agency practices and policies

Out of 22 surveyed Australian Public Service agencies, 16 (73%) use messaging apps for work-related purposes, while 3 (14%) prohibit their use and 3 (14%) are undecided. Policies governing messaging app usage often do not align with statutory obligations such as the Freedom of Information Act 1982, Privacy Act 1988, and Archives Act 1983. Among the 16 agencies that allow messaging apps, only 7 shared their policies, with 5 addressing security classification needs and 6 lacking necessary archiving protocols. Furthermore, 5 agencies did not adequately meet FOI search requirements, and none required the use of official accounts or devices. Recommendations for agencies include developing clear policies on messaging app usage, addressing information management, FOI, privacy, and security, and ensuring preferred messaging apps properly manage personal information. The survey involved 25 agencies, with 22 responding, to assess messaging app usage and associated policies.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

NatWest has banned staff from using Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to communicate

NatWest has banned the use of instant messaging applications like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger for internal communications in order to enhance compliance with regulatory standards. The bank has made these applications inaccessible on company-issued devices, emphasizing the need for record-keeping in line with the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) regulations. While restricting these platforms for internal use, NatWest still allows WhatsApp for customer service inquiries. This policy change follows a penalty against Morgan Stanley for violating communication recording rules by using WhatsApp for trading discussions. The COVID inquiry has also highlighted risks associated with messaging apps, including mass deletions of important communications.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

TRAI excludes likes of Google, Telegram, WhatsApp from new licensing rules

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a "One Nation One Authorisation" approach to simplify the licensing framework under the proposed Telecom Act. The recommendations do not include regulations for over-the-top (OTT) services, which has raised concerns among industry stakeholders. Major telecom companies advocate for a "same service, same rules" framework for OTT platforms. TRAI's Consultation Paper was released in July, and discussions on OTT regulation took place in August. Industry groups argue that OTT services are governed by the Information Technology Act of 2000. On September 18, TRAI's recommendations included allowing satellite-based services to provide calling and messaging, encouraging infrastructure sharing, reducing entry fees, and categorizing services into three segments: main, auxiliary, and captive service authorisations. The central government is urged to issue service authorisations based on predefined criteria.

AppWizard

September 5, 2024

How encrypted messaging apps conquered the world

In the 1990s, U.S. export regulations struggled to address the implications of cryptographic software, equating it with conventional weaponry. American programmers developing encryption tools faced scrutiny similar to that of arms dealers. In a landmark 1996 case, a court ruled that while the book "Applied Cryptography" could be exported freely, the software on its accompanying disk was classified as an export-controlled munition. This highlighted the absurdity of regulations that allowed knowledge to flow but restricted the tools to apply it, raising questions about digital privacy and national security.

AppWizard

August 12, 2024

Russia Blocks Signal Messaging App Due to Violations of Legislation, Tighten Control Over Information: Report | LatestLY

Russia has blocked access to the Signal messaging app due to non-compliance with its anti-terrorism and anti-extremism laws, according to the telecommunications regulator, Roskomnadzor. Over 1,500 complaints about Signal's functionality were logged, with users reporting issues like being unable to create new accounts without a VPN and receiving "Server Error" messages. Despite these restrictions, some users can still access Signal via VPN or its built-in censorship bypass mode. Signal has around one million users in Russia. Roskomnadzor emphasized that the blockage is to prevent messaging apps from being used for terrorist and extremist purposes.

AppWizard

August 1, 2024

All you need to know about: Malaysia’s new licence for social media platforms and messenger apps

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has established a regulatory framework requiring social media and messaging applications with at least eight million Malaysian users to obtain an annual license, effective January 1, 2025. This requirement does not apply to individual users. Major platforms affected include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and others. The MCMC will use official surveys and publicly available data to determine eligibility for the license. Licensed platforms must protect user data, ensure child safety, address online harms, enhance advertisement transparency, and manage harmful content. The license is valid for one year, and failure to register by the deadline may lead to penalties, including fines up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. There is a five-month grace period for service providers to apply. The MCMC can take action against license breaches, with responses ranging from warnings to prosecution.