Morocco Bans WhatsApp Use in Justice System, Citing Security Concerns

In a circular addressed to members of the public prosecutor’s office, the Attorney General warned against the unreliability of these applications and in particular of WhatsApp, which does not have sufficient levels of security and data protection, reports Al-Sabah. This measure aims to prevent the disclosure of professional secrets when exchanging information via WhatsApp between investigators from the National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ) and representatives of the public prosecutor’s office.

The note calls on the persons concerned to be vigilant, especially with regard to the protection of data related to investigations. The decision was made on the basis of the results of technical studies that showed the security flaws of instant messaging applications, explains Al-Hassan Al-Daki. The WhatsApp application is widely used in the justice sector because it facilitates communication during investigations. The decision is therefore very poorly received by several officials in the sector.