NatWest Group has taken a firm step in tightening its internal communication protocols by blocking popular messaging services WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype on company devices across the UK.
This move comes as the bank reinforces its commitment to approved communication channels for business-related discussions among staff.
Previously, NatWest instructed employees to use only “approved channels” for any business conversations, as highlighted by the BBC. However, the latest restriction goes a step further by making these popular messaging platforms entirely inaccessible on work-issued devices, including both phones and computers.
The concern around using off-channel communications, such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, is not unique to NatWest. These platforms, which allow messages to disappear or be challenging to retrieve, have raised questions about transparency and accountability across various sectors. By limiting communication to approved and secure channels, NatWest aims to improve record-keeping and minimise the potential for conversations that evade oversight.
A NatWest spokesperson explained, “Like many organisations, we only permit the use of approved channels for communicating about business matters, whether internally or externally.” According to the bank, this updated protocol was implemented earlier in the month.
This move aligns with actions taken by several US banks, where firms including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Citigroup have faced fines totaling over $2.8bn in recent years due to record-keeping lapses.
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