UK government has launched a WhatsApp channel to serve as a dynamic communication platform for citizens. Within the first hour of its announcement, over 2,500 followers joined, indicating a rapid adoption of this modern-day town crier approach. The channel, initiated on January 18th, operates within WhatsApp’s policy, allowing users to react with emojis but restricting them from sending messages. Marked with a green verified account badge, subscribers can opt in or out at any time.
This initiative is aimed at amplifying key government messages, ranging from tax return deadlines to information on childcare support and cost of living payments. One of the inaugural announcements will inform users about discounted rail tickets in the Great British Rail Sale. Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart expressed excitement about this innovative communication channel, emphasizing its opt-in nature and the government’s commitment to exploring new ways of connecting with the public. Helen Charles, overseeing WhatsApp’s public policy in Europe, highlights the move as providing citizens with reliable information through one of the most private broadcast services available.
A recent study positions WhatsApp as a moderately secure platform for data privacy, surpassing Meta-owned platforms Facebook and Instagram but trailing behind its competitor Signal. Despite a 2022 data leak affecting 500 million user records, the government aims to leverage WhatsApp’s popularity to ensure better access to reliable information for the UK public.
