Security of Government Devices Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Security of Government Devices

Matt Warman Excerpts
Thursday 16th March 2023

(1 year, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Dowden Portrait Oliver Dowden
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Perhaps the Secretary of State is more au fait with social media than me, but I am confident that he will adhere to the guidance that he will receive as a Minister and that sensitive Government documents will be dealt with not on his personal device but on his corporate communications devices.

Matt Warman Portrait Matt Warman (Boston and Skegness) (Con)
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I welcome the continuation of the robust approach that the Minister took with Huawei and its application to TikTok. That is something that we should all welcome. He mentioned Government agencies. Does he agree that some of the most sensitive Government data is held by agencies, arm’s length bodies and, indeed, local government. Does he agree that they should all heed the advice that he has issued today?

Oliver Dowden Portrait Oliver Dowden
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The short answer is yes. What falls directly within my purview is Government Departments and arm’s length bodies. I have written to my colleagues in the devolved Administrations and I will be writing to relevant local authorities as well.