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Media wars: Indy goes to battle with the FT

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Last month, security experts warned that the Zoom video-conferencing software used by Cabinet ministers might not be the most secure way to discuss important business. It appears though that it was Fleet Street that should have been preparing for unwelcome intruders.

Today, the Independent published a piece online alleging that a Financial Times media reporter eavesdropped on internal Zoom meetings at the Independent and Evening Standard to obtain details of their moves to furlough staff, along with other commercially-sensitive information.

According to the Indy, an account, registered to the FT reporter Mark Di Stefano’s email, accessed a private video call for Independent staff on Thursday. The paper says that the intruder was rumbled though, when Di Stefano’s name flashed up on screen during the call. After leaving the Zoom meeting after 16 seconds, an anonymous user then joined the call using a phone number also linked to Di Stefano.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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