Spy agencies need judge sign-off to hack phones

Britain’s spy agencies will need a judge to sign off requests to hack into suspects’ electronic devices or listen to their phone calls under a strengthened authorisation regime that will take effect within days.

The head of a watchdog set up to scrutinise the activities of MI5, MI6, GCHQ and law enforcement agencies said the new approach represented a “seismic change”.

Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Lord Justice Sir Adrian Fulford, confirmed his office would start receiving warrants relating to the work of the intelligence services this month.

Requests to use the most intrusive techniques would require approval from a judicial commissioner as well as a senior Government minister before they can take effect.

The process is being phased in and will start with warrants relating to equipment interference and targeted interception.

Equipment interference is the official term for operations where authorities interfere with electronic devices such as smartphones and PCS to obtain data as part of serious crime or national security investigations.

Agencies seek targeted interception warrants where they wish to access the content of a communication such as listening to a phone call.