The Cabinet Office announced on 2 July 2026 that Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones MP has appointed Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein CBE to review the use of non-corporate communications channels across UK government.
The review will examine how Ministers, Special Advisers and Civil Servants use non-corporate communication channels for official government business, including personal messaging apps, personal email accounts and platforms with disappearing message features.
Professor Sir Anthony will report in early 2027 to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Security Minister, with the Prime Minister copied. The Government said it will publish the review’s findings and present its response to Parliament in due course.
Government Messaging Review Appoints Independent Lead
The Cabinet Office said Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein CBE has been appointed as Independent Reviewer of the use of non-corporate communications channels in government. The appointment was made by Darren Jones MP, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
The review will examine how government communication practices have evolved as personal messaging platforms have become more widely used. It will assess how official decisions are communicated, recorded and preserved when non-corporate channels are used for government business.
Review To Examine Personal Apps And Emails
The review will provide a formal definition of non-corporate communications channels within the context of government business. The terms of reference describe them as communication methods not provided by His Majesty’s Government that may be personally owned, externally hosted or externally managed.
The Cabinet Office said the review will include disappearing messages and similar auto-deletion features. It will also consider communications with external partners, crisis communications, and the creation, retention, deletion and disclosure of records.
Channels And Features In Scope
| Area | Scope | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Personal apps | Messaging tools | Used outside official systems |
| Personal emails | Non-government accounts | Covered where used for work |
| Auto-deletion | Disappearing messages | Included in the review |
| External partners | Domestic and international | Considered where relevant |
Security And Record-Keeping Concerns
The Government said uncertainty over the use of non-corporate communication channels raises questions about information security, transparency, record keeping and legal compliance.
The review will consider how to preserve the operational benefits of fast and informal communication while managing associated risks. The review will also consider whether government guidance, training, policy and accountability arrangements should be updated.
- Information security: the review will consider risks of data loss, leaks, interception and device compromise.
- Public records: the review will examine record creation, retention, deletion and disclosure.
- Standards of conduct: the review will assess incentives and disincentives affecting behaviour.
- Operational use: the review will consider how informal communication can remain effective where appropriate.
Scope Covers Ministers Advisers And Civil Servants
The terms of reference place the communication practices of Ministers, Special Advisers and Civil Servants within scope where government business is involved. Behavioural, organisational, legal and technical factors will also be examined.
Communications with wider public sector officials may be considered where appropriate. Local government and other public sector bodies are generally outside the review’s scope.
Review Coverage
| Group | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ministers | In scope | Government business communications |
| Special Advisers | In scope | Official decision support |
| Civil Servants | In scope | Government administration |
| Local government | Generally out | Outside central government focus |
Review Will Assess Risks Guidance And Practice
The review team is expected to gather evidence on how non-corporate communication channels are used in practice, including examples of appropriate use, misuse and potential abuse. It will also examine the quality and provision of guidance and training on non-corporate communications channels.
The terms of reference say the review should consider hostile actor risks, including interception, device compromise and risks linked to where platform data is held. It will also take account of the views of the Information Commissioner and the Keeper of Public Records.
- Evidence gathering: the review may use interviews, data analysis, observational studies and surveys.
- Previous work: the team is expected to consider earlier reviews, studies and technical literature.
- Comparators: the review will consider international examples and corporate practice where suitable.
- Recommendations: the report will focus on practical actions for government communications and records.
Recommendations Due In Early 2027
Professor Sir Anthony will make a written report of findings and recommendations to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Security Minister. The Prime Minister will also receive a copy of the report.
The Cabinet Office said the reviewer will report in early 2027. The Government will publish the review’s findings and present its response to Parliament after the review has been completed.
The review represents the first comprehensive examination of how non-corporate communication channels are used across UK central government. Its recommendations are expected to address information security, transparency, record keeping and accountability while considering how government can retain the operational benefits of modern communication tools. The Government said it will publish both the review and its formal response once the work is complete.
Sources: Cabinet Office, “Independent Review of the Use of Non-corporate Communications Channels in Government,” published 2 July 2026; Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones MP; Terms of Reference for an Independent Review into the Use of Non-corporate Communications Channels in the UK Government.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
