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ARTICLE · 13 APRIL 2025

Messaging apps and information management: Lessons for government agencies

Holding Redlich
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OAIC's recommendations on managing records of messaging apps provide useful lessons and practical solutions.

AustraliaTax
Elizabeth Carroll
Elizabeth Carroll
Natasha Gibbons
Natasha Gibbons
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In today's digital world, messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, Facebook Messenger and Telegram have become integral to communication, offering instant, real-time exchanges and convenience. However, these tools present significant challenges for record-keeping, particularly in government.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has raised concerns about the risks these platforms pose to proper record-keeping practices, particularly those with disappearing messages. Recent international events have further highlighted the potential security pitfalls of messaging apps. The OAIC's recommendations on managing records in the age of messaging apps provide useful lessons and practical solutions to address these concerns.

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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