§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on security of communications in the House against eavesdropping in respect of developments in Bluetooth technology. [169801]
§ Sir Archy KirkwoodThe House of Commons authorities have taken a cautious approach to the introduction of wireless technology within Westminster because of security concerns. No services using wireless technologies will be offered until these concerns have been addressed.
I understand that the Bluetooth function available on some mobile telephones could allow access to data and services on such phones. If phone owners are concerned about this potential vulnerability, they should disable the Bluetooth option using the menus on the handset.
The Parliamentary Communications Department sent an e-mail with this advice to all network users on 30 April.