Ministers banned from using iPads in Government meetings in casethey're BUGGED

[Mirror News] It is feared China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan have developed the ability to turn mobiles into microphones and turn them into transmitters.

Cabinet ministers have been banned from taking their iPads into top Government meetings - over fears foreign spies have bugged them.

British security chiefs are concerned overseas intelligence agencies are able to turn mobile devices such as phones and tablets into bugs without anyone knowning.

This would allow countries such as the Russians or Chinese to eavesdrop on confidential meetings.

iPads were used this week during a presentation by Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, on how IT could save the Government £2billion a year.

But after the presentation they were swiftly removed by No 10’s security staff to prevent Cabinet discussions being picked up, according to a report in the Mail on Sunday.

It is feared China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan have developed the ability to turn mobiles into microphones and turn them into transmitters even when they are turned off, using a computer virus.

Ministers in sensitive Government departments have been given soundproof lead-lined boxes, which they must place their mobiles in when having sensitive conversations, it emerged this week.

There are allegations delegates at the G20 summit in St Petersburg were handed souvenir USB sticks which contained a Trojan bug.

It is feared the devices would allow Russia’s FSB intelligence agency to hack into Government computers.

William Hague admitted this week his phone has been modified by GCHQ to prevent foreign powers bugging it.

Asked whether it had been bugged, the Foreign Secretary said: “I think my phone has been modified by GCHQ enough that it’d be difficult, but I’m sure the Chinese have had a good go.”