The UK government has banned Apple watch devices from high-level cabinet meetings, after concerns over hacking.
Ministers have been banned from wearing the smartwatches after concerns that the devices were highly vulnerable to hacking from Russian spies. In addition, mobile phone devices have also been barred from cabinet meetings to protect confidential and highly classified information from being recorded during top level discussions.
Several ministers in the Cameron government were fans of the Apple Watch, including former Justice Secretary and Conservative leadership contender Michael Gove, who had to relinquish his cabinet position following Theresa May’s cabinet reshuffle.
Theresa May had taken a particularly strict stance on cyber security during her time as Home Secretary, presiding over the implementation of the controversial ‘Snoopers Charter Bill’.
The bill, which is formally known as the draft communications bill, requires internet servers and mobile phone network providers to retain their users internet browsing history for up to a year. The bill was initially introduced to monitor internet activity in the interest of national security.
Last week, the US Director of National Intelligence and The Department of Homeland Security blamed Russia for illegally obtaining files and publishing archived emails from the Democratic National Committee earlier in the year. WikiLeaks published the data on its website in July, and has warned of the release of further sensitive and exposing material.