Apple Watch Banned From UK Cabinet Meetings; Might be Used by Russian Spies as ‘Listening Devices’

By Jules Cacti, | October 11, 2016

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks about the Apple Watch during an Apple special event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks about the Apple Watch during an Apple special event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Due to concerns over security issues, the UK government has banned all ministers and politicians from wearing the Apple Watch to any cabinet meeting.

According to The Verge, the UK government fears that Russian spies might be able to hack the Apple Watch's system and use its microphone to listen in on cabinet meetings.

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The fear over the Apple Watch being hacked is not unfounded. Last week, the United States blamed Russia for hacking the Democratic National Committee. A source told The Telegraph that "The Russians are trying to hack everything."

Mobile phones were since banned in cabinet meetings in the UK, Thus the additional prohibiting of smartwatches is logical. After all, both devices contain the same basic electronic parts - and likely the same vulnerabilities. It is still unclear whether smartwatches made by other companies are included in the ban.

Under former British Prime Minister David Cameron, smartwatches were seen being worn by several cabinet ministers. One of these people wearing them included Former British Justice Secretary Michael Gove.

The Verge reported that the Apple Watch has also been banned from Australian cabinet meetings as well. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's advisor told Fairfax Media that to put electronic devices away from conversations, "there are going to be more and more items that will have to be locked away in cabinets."

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