Government bans mobiles on security fears

Smartphones and tablets have reportedly been banned from Cabinet Office meetings, apparently in response to spying fears.

Number 10's security team swiftly removed a batch of iPads from a presentation given earlier this month by the minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, and Government Digital Service boss Mike Bracken.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Maude and Bracken were giving an update on the government's cost-cutting move to online services, using iPads as part of the presentation.

But before any sensitive discussions could start, security staff reportedly removed the devices from the room. It appears the measures were in response to fears that foreign powers may have bugged or hacked the devices.

Separate reports suggest that ministers working for sensitive government departments must also now place their phones in lead-lined, soundproofed boxes before conducting confidential conversations.

The reports are unconfirmed, as the Cabinet Office hasn't responded to a request for comment.

Foreign secretary William Hague said last week that GCHQ had modified his phone to stop foreign powers - particularly China - from bugging it. The Cabinet Office has since denied his remarks, describing them as a "light-hearted comment", according to Channel 4.

It isn't clear whether Number 10 has stepped up its security in the wake of public disclosures that the US National Security Agency (NSA) - aided by local counterparts - may have spied on various heads of state.

The German government last month claimed that the NSA had bugged Chancellor Angela Merkel's phone, though the White House has denied the allegation.