Sky News investigated over email hacking

AN INVESTIGATION is being launched into the hacking of private email accounts by Sky News.

• Targets included “canoe couple” John and Anne Darwin

• Broadcaster maintains actions were in public interest

• Ofcom begins investigation into Sky News

Ofcom confirmed today that it is investigating the “fairness and privacy issues” raised by the hacking.

It follows an admission from the broadcaster earlier this month that it accessed the accounts of “canoe man” John Darwin and his wife Anne, as well as those of a suspected paedophile.

However, Sky news defended its actions when the incidents emerged just under three weeks ago, insisting it was in the public interest and said it amounted to “responsible journalism”.

In a statement, it said: “We stand by these actions as editorially justified and in the public interest.”

A spokesman for the media regulator said today: “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.”