Based on the powers vested in the Central Bank under its law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/36) dated 11/04/1442 H, and other relevant regulations, and based on SAMA's keenness to enhance the quality of practices and procedures followed by the financial institutions subject to its supervision and reduce risks.

Therefore, in view of the risks associated with the use of instant chat applications such as WhatsApp and similar applications in communicating with customers, I inform you that financial institutions must comply with the following:

1. Not to use instant chat applications such as WhatsApp and similar applications in communicating with customers, and to consider them unreliable channels, and to include evidence of preventing this practice in the relevant internal policies.
2. Study the availability of alternative and secure channels, such as benefiting from the activation of instant chat services (Live Chat) or (Chat Bot) within the application or website of the financial institution, and taking into account compliance with personal data protection requirements.

To take note and act accordingly as of its date, and to educate the employees of the financial institution about the contents of the above instructions, while conducting the necessary evaluations to verify compliance with them, including all employees of branches, customer service and marketing, and taking the necessary action.