The roll out of 5G could be hacked by “terrorists and hostile states”, the head of GCHQ has warned. Allowing other forms of new technology, such as artificial intelligence and “the internet of things”, to go ahead unchecked will leave Britain vulnerable to cyber-attacks, Jeremy Fleming said.

He added that China’s lead in 5G technology could pose a security risk to the UK’s vital infrastructure.

Writing in The Sundy Times, Mr Fleming said: “We have entered a new technological age, one that will fundamentally change the way we live, work and interact with each other.

“This new digital landscape will transform lives and economies as data analysis, artificial intelligence, 5G, the internet of things, quantum computing and many other technologies still being developed permeate all areas of human endeavour.”

He said these changes will bring huge benefits to society, including the transformation of healthcare and the creation of energy efficient cities.