A new report from ICRC analyses how messaging apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Viber, WeChat, Telegram and LINE are being used by people affected by natural disasters or caught up in armed conflicts.

Over 2.5 billion people around the world use messaging apps, and by 2018 the number is expected to rise to 3.6 billion. The report finds that the apps can potentially improve the work of NGOs and humanitarian organisations, although there has been a lack of research in the field.

There are, however, certain challenges in connection with messenger apps. Questions about security, data protection and privacy need to be addressed, as do the technical issues around information and data management.

In order to use the apps for efficient communication between NGOs and local communities as well as internal coordination in the organisations, these unresolved issues around the practical use of messaging apps.

The report concludes that humanitarian organisations need to improve their understanding of how they can use the opportunities that messaging apps offer. They should establish strategies and standards to determine where messaging apps might be appropriate, how to use them effectively and how to meet the challenges of responsible data usage.