Video calling and chatting
If you work from home and need to have a discussion about privacy-sensitive data, for example, a conversation with a patient, first check whether secure means of communication are available.
On this page
Secure means of communication
First and foremost, the telephone is a safe means of communication. Sometimes, organisations also have secure options for video calling or chatting. Use them, if they are available.
Healthcare organisations: conversations with patients
Many healthcare organisations use systems for conversations with patients that meet strict healthcare standards. For more information, see the KNMG manual for Video Consultations(PDF).
Alternative in the absence of secure options
If your organisation does not have secure options for video calling or chatting, and is it really necessary to contact someone via those means of communication, FaceTime and Signal are generally considered a safe alternative.
But be careful, even when using these apps, and only use them in exceptional cases. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has not investigated whether these apps comply with privacy legislation.
Note: Be particularly careful with Facebook Messenger, Skype or WhatsApp.
What to pay attention to when using an app
If you use an app to make video calls or chat with someone, pay attention to the following points:
- Make sure you discuss as little sensitive information as possible. For example, don’t mention names, but instead use things like agenda numbering or patient numbers.
- Inform the person concerned of the privacy risks when discussing personal data via a consumer app.
- For example, ask for consent from the patient you are speaking to.
- If you use a chat app like Signal or WhatsApp, you must erase the chat history after each conversation. Unless, as a government organisation, you must retain the chat history on the basis of the Open Government Act (Woo) or the Public Records Act.
- Check whether the app you are using sends encrypted messages.
- Secure your Internet connection with a strong password.
Also read: Privacy and apps.
Decision aid video calling apps
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) looked at the most important privacy aspects of 13 commonly used video calling apps. Such as what data the app collects, what it does with those data and whether the communication is secured. See: Decision aid privacy and video calling apps.