Barack Obama could become the first sitting US president to use email, after reports suggested he may be in line for a new spy-proof smartphone.
The 44th president of the United States, who was sworn into office yesterday, is famous for his love of his BlackBerry – even suggesting that somebody would have to "pry it from his hands" before he would give it up.
But after concerns about security and legal issues, close advisers and government agents have been delaying a decision on whether Obama would be able to use a similar device while in office.
According to blogger Marc Ambinder in the Atlantic, however, a government agency has provided the president with a special, highly encrypted mobile which would satisfy security demands.
"Obama will be able to use it still for routine and personal messages," he wrote, adding that "It's not clear whether he yet has the device".
Traditionally, US presidents have shied away from using hi-tech communications such as email and mobile phones for a variety of reasons – including possible interception from foreign powers.