Vodafone denies working with government to create network for spying on citizens

Snowden files suggest Cable & Wireless - now part of Vodafone - was heavily involved in spying on citizens

Vodafone has denied reports that it worked with GCHQ to create the surveillance system used for the mass tracking of citizens' communications, as exposed by Edward Snowden.

According to a report by Channel 4 News, top secret documents leaked by Snowden demonstrate how Cable & Wireless - bought by Vodafone in July 2012 - was part of a scheme called Mastering the Internet.

The programme saw the authorities use private companies to gather and store internet traffic for surveillance purposes, with documents appearing to show that Cable & Wireless was working with the government, helping it to spy on British citizens.

According to the leaked documents - released as part of the Snowden files - Cable & Wireless met regularly with GCHQ from 2008 to at least 2010, with the authorities gaining access to web traffic information through the use of a network access point.

But while Vodafone purchased Cable & Wireless in 2012, reports suggest that the access point was used as recently as April 2013.

However, Vodafone has attempted to distance itself from the accusations, claiming to have no knowledge of any UK government spying programmes.

"We have found no indication whatsoever of unlawful activity within Vodafone or Cable & Wireless and we do not recognise any of the UK intelligence agency programmes identified. Furthermore, Vodafone does not own or operate the cables referred to," the telecommunications firm said in a statement.

"Vodafone does not permit any form of access to customer data in any country beyond those disclosures mandated under the law of that country in support of the activities of appropriately authorised national security or intelligence agencies in that country," it added.

Nonetheless, while Vodafone has denied it worked with the government to build a system for surveillance, the firm has previously admitted that it maintains a secret wire-tapping service that enables governments and their spy agencies to listen-in to live calls.

Unsurprisingly, GCHQ is reluctant to comment on accusations that it is abusing its power to spy on UK citizens.

"It is longstanding policy that we do not comment on intelligence matters. Furthermore, all of GCHQ's work is carried out in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework, which ensures that our activities are authorised, necessary and proportionate, and that there is rigorous oversight," said a GCHQ spokesperson.