Annie Machon in 2002. Photo: AFP
Former M15 intelligence officer Annie Machon, resigned from the UK Security Service to blow the whistle on incompetencies and crimes within the spy agency.
She didn't set out to become a spy, but when a job opportunity with the agency came her way in the post her journalist father persuaded her to apply.
In 1991 she was recruited by MI5 where she was posted to their political and counter-terrorism departments, but resigned in the late 1990s.
Machon has a rare perspective both on the inner workings of governments, their intelligence agencies and the media.
She also has insight into the need for increased openness and accountability in public and private sectors.
Machon is also co-Director of Code Red and European Director of LEAP.
Annie, who is speaking at this year's Webstock, talks to Bryan Crump.
RAF/USAF Menwith Hill near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England provides communications and intelligence support services to the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The site contains an extensive satellite ground station and is a communications intercept and missile warning site - it has been described as the largest electronic monitoring station in the world Photo: Keighley Air Cadets
