Submitted on Friday 3rd March 2023
Rejected on Monday 13th March 2023
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: no-action (see below for details)
Stop matters of government being conducted via WhatsApp and similar means.
It is increasingly common that Ministers are using communication systems like WhatsApp to conduct government business. This often only comes to light following leaks. All government communications should be properly archived and subject to Freedom of Information Requests and the 30 Year Rule.
Parliament should amend the Public Records Act (1958) to better regulate the use of communication means such as WhatsApp. It is essential that Ministers recognise that the information they are communicating is on behalf of the public and is subject to review by the public (subject to exceptions) should they wish.
In addition, it should be made unlawful for Government Ministers to use personal devices for government business, something that can have serious national security implications.
You can't sign this petition because it was rejected. But you can still comment on it here at Repetition.me!
The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.
We understand that you are concerned about how some ministers communicate, but we're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do.
Your petition calls for the Public Records Act 1958 to be amended, but it's not clear what amendments you want.
At one point you say that you want to stop Government business being conducted by WhatsApp and similar means, but at another point you say such communications should be better regulated.
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do.
3.144.39.93 Sat, 18 May 2024 08:20:30 +0100
