Why is this Labour MSP calling for a chance to the Freedom of Information Act?

Scottish officials, including former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, deleted critical WhatsApp messages regarding pandemic decisions, despite being explicitly reminded that such communications are subject to Freedom of Information laws. This deliberate erasure of digital records has sparked significant criticism, with opposition figures arguing that destroying evidence hinders accountability and public trust, especially given the severe consequences of the policies under scrutiny. To address these transparency failures, a new bill proposes criminalizing the destruction of information that could be subject to public scrutiny, even before a formal request is made. This legislative shift aims to close loopholes in the current Freedom of Information framework by removing the First Minister’s power to override information commissioner rulings. The change signals a move toward stricter legal consequences for officials who attempt to obscure government actions through digital data deletion. This development is vital to open data because it recognizes that traditional transparency laws are insufficient in the digital age. By mandating the preservation of informal communications like WhatsApp messages, the proposed reforms ensure that all government business remains accessible for public review. This strengthens the principle that open data must encompass all forms of digital interaction, preventing officials from exploiting private messaging platforms to evade oversight and maintain true governmental accountability.

Source: heraldscotland.com
Published on 2025-11-01

Why is this Labour MSP calling for a chance to the Freedom of Information Act?

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