Police officers have been told not to download the NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app on to their work phones.
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) issued the guidance to forces across the country following the launch of the app last Thursday for England and Wales.
A spokesman denied suggestions that the move was a result of “security implications”.
“Police forces use a variety of mobile devices with different system restrictions,” the NPCC said.
“It is important that we have confidence that the NHS app will work for officers and staff consistently across the country.
"It is for this reason that we have recommended that officers and staff download the app to their personal as opposed to work devices, rather than any suggestion of security implications.”
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock hailed what he called “the fastest download of an app in British history” having reached 12.4 million downloads by midday on Monday.
“I would urge everybody, including every single member in this House, to join the 12.4 million,” Mr Hancock said.
More than 1.5 million venue check-ins were recorded on Saturday while more than 460,000 businesses have downloaded and printed QR code posters that can be scanned by the app to check-in to premises, it added.
These QR codes allow contact tracers to reach multiple people if an outbreak is identified in a venue.
The app uses Bluetooth technology to keep a tab of close proximity encounters with other people and informing them if one later tests positive for the virus. It is currently in the number one spot in both iOS and Android app stores.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own contact tracing apps.
Additional reporting by PA Media.
