Report: Boris Johnson's phone number was online for 15 years

The British government has downplayed allegations of a security risk after it was reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s cell phone number was openly available on the internet for 15 years

LONDON -- The British government downplayed allegations Friday of a security risk after it was reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s cell phone number was openly available on the internet for 15 years. Celebrity website Popbitch revealed that the number was on a think tank press release from 2006, when Johnson was an opposition lawmaker and the Conservative Party’s higher education spokesman. Callers to the number on Thursday night heard an automated message saying the phone was “switched off." By Friday it appeared to no longer be in use. Home Office minister Victoria Atkins insisted that the prime minister "knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security,” and criticized media for revealing the fact that the number was in the public domain.