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Scottish Sun

John Swinney at centre of fresh secrecy row after SNP's deleted Covid WhatsApp scandal

Scroll down to find out more about the latest row WIPE OUT John Swinney at centre of fresh secrecy row after SNP's deleted Covid WhatsApp scandal JOHN Swinney is at the centre of a fresh secrecy row over the use of an app that automatically deletes content after five days. A decision by the First Minister to allow the Microsoft Teams instant messaging service for Scottish Government business is being probed by Scotland's transparency watchdog. Advertisement 3 First Minister John Swinney Credit: Michael Schofield 3 Nicola Sturgeon was among those who deleted their WhatsApp messages Credit: PA It comes after Nats chiefs faced a huge backlash for scrubbing WhatsApp messages during Covid. Critics blasted the latest tech move and said it provides a 'deliberate loophole'. Scottish Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: 'The SNP need to come clean on this state-sponsored automatic deletion of messages and why it is still being allowed. 'It looks as though a deliberate loophole has been left in place to allow senior figures to avoid scrutiny over key decisions. That is typical of this sleekit and secretive SNP government who only announced this apparent change in policy after already deleting Covid-related messages on an industrial scale.' Advertisement Information Commissioner David Hamilton confirmed the SNP's use to Teams messages forms part of an ongoing probe. He said: 'This issue is currently subject of my investigation into how messaging apps are used in Scottish Government. It will be helpful to understand the rationale for such a short retention period and how compliance with any policies will be assured. 'Both will form part of my enquiries.' In their new guidance, Nats chiefs say MS Teams chat is the 'core messaging functionality' of their internal system, allowing civil servants to 'message, call, screen share' others in the organisation. Advertisement Ministers say the chat function can be used for 'general day-to-day activities' with colleagues external stakeholders, as well as and 'urgent work communications'. It is also allowed to be used with 'ministerial support or advice', including when ministers are in the Holyrood chamber. Damning screenshots expose Jason Leitch's 'pre-bed WhatsApp ritual' during pandemic as SNP bosses branded 'shameful' Civil servants and ministers can use the chat function for 'communication of urgent work issues' out of normal hours. The change in rules means messages on government business, including advice to ministers or key discussions among senior civil servants, could be auto-deleted — potentially undermining any future inquiries into scandals. Advertisement It comes after Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes reconfirmed last month the ban on WhatsApp on government phones. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon deleted Covid WhasApps despite telling Scots on TV that she would hand all of them over. We told how mountains of messages between key ministers, including Ms Sturgeon, her successor Humza Yousaf, and Mr Swinney showed they joked about deleting the messages to avoid publishing them through transparency rules. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish Government's approach to Microsoft Teams is similar to the approach taken by UK Government departments. Advertisement 'Microsoft Teams is a corporate system which operates under the direct control of the Scottish Government and in line with its published policies in respect of records management. Jason Leitch, the National Clinical Director, also angered Covid bereaved groups for saying deleting his WhatsApps was a 'pre-night' ritual. We also revealed in October how the UK's chief medical officers rallied round disgraced adviser Catherine Calderwood after her lockdown-busting trip to Fife, also revealed by The Scottish Sun. 3 Jason Leitch was at the centre of the covid WhatsApp row Credit: Andrew Barr