8
Subject Non-Corporate Communication Channels to the same government transparency disclosure regime.
Conclusion
If WhatsApp and other Non-Corporate Communication Channels (“NCCCs”) are to be used in government and, in particular, if they are to be used to communicate with third parties, then they should be subject to the same disclosure regime as other forms of contact. Where exchanges by means of NCCCs are in place of a face-to-face meeting or prompt significant consideration in government, they warrant inclusion in the government transparency releases. If an appropriate transparency regime cannot be found that can command public confidence, which we consider the current arrangements do not, the use of any NCCCs should be blocked on official devices. (Paragraph 37) The Lobbying Act Part One
Source
Inquiry
Lobbying and Influence: post-legislative scrutiny of the Lobbying Act 2014 and related matters
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.1 yrs
Report published
02 May 2024