UK Information Watchdog Says ‘Lockdown Files’ Expose Issues With Public Record Keeping

The leakage of WhatsApp messages between government officials and ministers during the COVID-19 epidemic has shown the necessity to revise rules regarding public records-keeping, according to the UK information watchdog.

Inputting The TelegraphJohn Edwards, the Information Commissioner said that the revelations by the newspaper about WhatsApp decisions showed how government uses private messaging apps to maintain transparency and accountability.

The Lockdown Files

Sine Feb. 28, The Telegraph has published more than 30 stories based on 100,000 WhatsApp messages it exclusively obtained from journalist Isabel Oakeshott, who had been given access to the messages by former Health Secretary Matt Hancock when he enlisted Oakeshott’s help to co-write a book called “Pandemic Diaries.”

The Telegraph called the series, “continuing”The Lockdown Files“—an apparently nod to the Elon Musk-endorsed Twitter Files investigation. Associate Editor Camilla Tominey said The publication published the messages as a result. “in the interest of openness, transparency, and accountability, the public has a right to know what went on behind the scenes.”

The newspaper reported that Hancock was the first victim of the pandemic on March 1. rejected the advice from England’s Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty that everyone going into care homes should be tested for COVID-19, telling an aide the move just “muddies the waters” Only those who are coming from hospitals were eligible for mandatory testing.

Hancock refuted the Telegraph’s claims following the publication, calling them “false” “flat wrong,” and claiming the messages had been “spun to fit an anti-lockdown agenda.”

Another Telegraph report Public messages appeared to depict Simon Case and Hancock, the permanent secretary of Downing Street mocking those who were forced to go into hotel quarantine following their visit to the UK. They also spoke out about urging the police to enforce the lockdown rules.

Other claims Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of England, questions the legitimacy for the lockdowns and masks in England’s secondary schools. “an argument” Hancock with Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister. scrambling to save his job It was first reported in t