Electronic surveillance

Police forces across UK are using spy technology to download contents of mobile phones belonging to suspects, witnesses and victims without permission

Police forces in the UK are using spy technology to download the contents of mobile phones belonging to suspects, witnesses and victims.

At least 26 forces in the country are using an extractive device to store data from an individual's phone without using a password or thumbprint. 

According to privacy rights charity, Privacy International, forces do not obtain warrants or ask for permission from the people whose phones they examine.

The charity said this 'highly intrusive technology' was rolled out nationally after being used by Scotland Yard during the London Olympics in 2012.

Privacy International said police often break into phones owned by people who have not been convicted of any crime, including witnesses and victims.

They can then gain access to their emails, photos, passwords and conversations on encrypted messaging apps.