UK bans Apple watches from Cabinet discussions

Though technology has made living in the 21st century as easy and convenient as one could think, but this luxury has its own flip side. If technology is getting sophisticated, so are the cyber criminals. So where is the fix? The UK Cabinet thinks let's ban it. Not literally, though.

UK Politicians have been asked not to wear their Apple watches to the Cabinet for fear of getting hacked. The Telegraph reports that the authorities are concerned that the Apple Watch's microphone could be manipulated to listen in on high-level policy discussions, especially by Russian spies.

In the aftermath of the US government officially accusing Russia of Democratic National Committee’s recent computer hacks, the apprehensions look valid. With mobile phones ban already in place, the prohibitory orders for the smart watch simply fall in line as both have same tech basics and hence same vulnerabilities.

The UK is not the only one following strict measures to prevent hackers from foul play. Australia also doesn’t allow Apple watches or any other smart gadgets in for any Cabinet meetings.

An advisor for Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Fairfax Media that more attention needed to be paid to communications security as an increasing number of devices — from glasses to running shoes — offered internet connectivity.

The advisor said: "In a world in which it is necessary for the government to have conversations that truly have no electronics in the room, there are going to be more and more items that will have to be locked away in cabinets."