Next year any athlete suspected of using banned performance-enhancing substances will be required to surrender texts, Facebook posts, emails, etc. when requested by United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD), according to a report by The Times.

Failure to submit personal digital communication records when ordered to do so will now likely be an anti-doping violation on par with Article 2.3: Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection, resulting in up to a 2 year ban from sport for amateur athletes.

UKAD CEO Jane Rumble made the announced this week: “As part of a broader strategic refresh, we are setting out this year to strengthen our investigative capabilities. Adding, “But we live in a digital age, so we need the tools to work effectively. What you’ll see is a refresh, an amendment, to the rules, which will be set out. We are changing it up, we are going to have the digital teeth to do this.”

Digital communication records from Facebook, WhatsApps, email, Instagram, Telegram, Snapchat, X-Twitter and even Tinder will all be covered by the new rules expected to roll out April 2025.

These digital communication records will also allow UKAD to potentially identify and pursue other individuals involved in the use, sale, trafficking or distribution of substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Adopting new rules and broad digital investigative powers are key to improving anti-doping actions of national anti-doping organizations (NADOs) worldwide, rather than just relying on unannounced testing, anonymous tips, or a girlfriend to provide key evidence of suspected doping.

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