Ofcom to probe Sky email hacking

Ofcom has launched an investigation into the hacking of private email accounts by Sky News.

It comes after Sky admitted earlier this month it accessed the accounts of "canoe man" John Darwin and his wife Anne; and a suspected paedophile.

At the time Sky defended its actions as being in the public interest and said it was "responsible journalism".

The head of Sky News, John Ryley, is due to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry later.

An Ofcom spokesperson said: "Ofcom is investigating the fairness and privacy issues raised by Sky News' statement that it had accessed without prior authorisation private email accounts during the course of its news investigations. We will make the outcome known in due course."

Ofcom's broadcasting code includes a clause - Rule 8.1 - which states that: "Any infringement of privacy in programmes, or in connection with obtaining material included in programmes, must be warranted."

Source & Image : BBC