One of the UK’s largest banks has banned employees from using instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger. NatWest had previously asked workers to ensure they used ‘approved channels’, but has now gone one step further and made messaging platforms inaccessible from company-issued devices.

Employees must stick to official channels to make sure their messages are fully retrievable.

The concern is that WhatsApp and other services can be used for conversations without the normal scrutiny that would cover conversations over work email or similar monitored services.

Companies in the UK and US have began receiving fines for using messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook for work communications

NatWest has taken action in an effort to stick to rules over workers' use of unauthorised electric messaging as well as to avoid hefty fines.