The Telegraph reports that British government ministers have been banned from wearing Apple Watches during cabinet meetings, over fears that they could be hacked by the Russians.

Under David Cameron, several cabinet ministers wore the smart watches, including Michael Gove, the former Justice Secretary. However, under Theresa May ministers have been barred from wearing them amid concerns that they could be used by hackers as listening devices

The previous Prime Minister, David Cameron, allowed the Watches to be worn in the high-level meetings, and the change of policy is attributed to recently-installed PM Theresa May …

It appears that the change is not driven by any concerns specific to the Apple Watch, but rather an extension of the existing policy of banning mobile phones. That ban was also introduced over fears that hackers might be able to eavesdrop on cabinet meetings.

One source said: “The Russians are trying to hack everything.”

While the Telegraph report refers specifically to the Apple Watch, it’s likely that the policy also bans other smartwatches.

Former Home Secretary Theresa May is a controversial figure who has vowed to repeal the Human Rights Act, which explicitly lays out 15 fundamental rights, among them the right to free speech. She plans to replace it with more limited rights under a new Bill of Rights.

Photo: Mark Richards/WPA Pool via Politico

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