A recent release of data from a Freedom of Information request has illuminated the internet browsing patterns of employees within the Scottish Government. According to the findings, it has been revealed that the website of Rangers Football Club was the most frequently visited site on devices allocated to government personnel, surpassing even the web pages of the Scottish Parliament itself.
Over a duration of six months, government-provided desktop computers, laptops, and tablets were utilized to access a diverse array of websites, encompassing social media platforms, travel and holiday destinations, as well as news and entertainment sites. Notably, the website of Rangers Football Club secured the 185th position on the ranking of the 200 most viewed sites, emerging as the sole football club represented in this ranking.
In contrast, the official website of the Scottish Parliament TV, which broadcasts live coverage of meetings and debates at Holyrood, ranked lower at number 194. Curiously, the website of the Scottish Government, scotland.gov.uk, occupied the lowest position on the list, holding the 200th spot.
The data additionally disclosed the frequent usage of social media platforms by government personnel, with platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok featuring among the top 100 most visited sites. Furthermore, well-known holiday and travel websites like Jet2Holidays, British Airways, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor garnered significant traffic from government devices. Similarly, renowned e-commerce giants such as Amazon and eBay, alongside the second-hand shopping platform Vinted and Chinese fashion retailer Shein, attracted the attention of government employees.
A popular job search website, Indeed.co.uk, was also a popular destination, in addition to niche platforms such as a website for jewellery-making equipment and Davina McCall’s “Own Your Goals” streaming yoga platform. Even a pub quiz generator, quiz.questions.uk, secured a position on the list, ranking at number 188.
Amidst the diverse selection of websites accessed by Scottish Government devices, The Scottish Sun also claimed a position on the list, ranking at number 80. This revelation into the online activities of government employees has sparked inquiries and curiosity regarding their browsing habits.
Subsequently, this disclosure has prompted inquiries, and the Scottish Government has been approached for comment. The findings have provided a nuanced insight into the digital behaviours of government personnel and have underscored the intriguing disparities in website visits.