Independent Reviewer of the Use of Non-corporate Communications Channels in Government

The Government are committed to maintaining the highest standards of information security, transparency, propriety, and record-keeping. These standards are essential to ensure public trust in how we make decisions.

In recent years, the way we all communicate has changed considerably, including across the public sector. I share the view of many Members that there is a need for greater clarity over the use of non-corporate communication channels—such as personal messaging apps—for Government business to remain secure and for decisions to be recorded appropriately. It is of course important that we strike the right balance between transparency and accountability, alongside operational efficiency and information security.

I am therefore pleased to confirm the appointment of Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein CBE FRS FREng as the independent reviewer of the use of non-corporate communications channels in Government. Sir Anthony is a distinguished scholar and public servant, with deep expertise in technology, national security, and management.

Sir Anthony’s review will be wide-ranging. He will examine the human, organisational, legal and technical factors involved when officials, advisers and Ministers use non-corporate communication channels for work.

The review’s terms of reference will be published on gov.uk. The review will:

Define NCCCs within the context of Government business;

Cover the use of disappearing messages and similar auto-deletion features;

Identify security risks related to NCCCs, including risks of interception, where devices may be compromised and questions about where data is stored; and

Make practical and actionable recommendations concerning NCCCs to improve the Government’s record-keeping.

Sir Anthony will report his conclusions and recommendations to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Security Minister in early 2027. The Government will publish the final report and will present our response to Parliament.

I have full confidence that Sir Anthony’s review will provide the clarity, guidance, and strategic direction needed to ensure our communications practices remain robust, secure, and appropriate into the future.

[HCWS176]