GCHQ accused of 'persistent' illegal hacking at security tribunal

UK government monitoring station admits hacking devices for the first time during case brought by Privacy International and internet service providers

GCHQ carries out "persistent" illegal hacking of phones, computers and networks worldwide under broad "thematic" warrants that ignore privacy safeguards, a security tribunal has heard.

Microphones and cameras on electronic devices can be remotely activated without owners' knowledge, photographs and personal documents copied and locations discovered, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) has been told.