It has emerged that the FBI has the ability to activate any computer’s in-built camera without triggering the light that lets users know the camera is on. According to the Washington Post, the agency has had the ability to covertly monitor computer’s cameras for years. Speaking to the newspaper, Marcus Thomas, the former assistant director of the FBI’s Operational Technology Division confirmed that the agency has the ability.

However, to calm fears that the Bureau has been spying on civilians via their computers without their knowledge for years, Thomas stressed that the ability has been used “mainly” in counter terrorism or serious criminal activities,reports T3.

The Post report gives an example of the FBI’s use of the technology. It reveals how far the agency is willing to go with its use of malware to spy on people. It also reveals that FBI agents using the technology are normal people, and how in the past they have accidentally sent emails to people outside of the organisation thanks to typos.

FBI can access people's webcams without trigging the on light