Computer chief to explain spying on reporters

The chief executive of the scandal-stricken computer giant Hewlett-Packard will give evidence to a Congress committee on Thursday about the company's spying on directors and journalists during a controversial leak inquiry. Mark Hurd says: "What began as an effort to prevent the leaks of confidential information from HP's boardroom ended up heading in directions that were never anticipated". HP's chairman Patricia Dunn resigned yesterday after pressure to step down. Hurd will replace her for the present. (Via Guardian business)