The latest video, in which extremists make threats against the UK and urge Muslims to fight against non-believers, ends with a scrolling message, which claims to be coded using the PGP encryption program.

Governments and intelligence agencies around the world have long been concerned that Isis could be communicating using encrypted messaging tools like PGP, which would make it almost impossible for spies to listen in on what they are saying.

The encrypted message at the end of the video appeared to confirm this fear - but former NSA analyst Snowden has claimed it is fake.

Writing on Twitter, he pointed out that the ID for the encryption key shown in the video has an incorrect number of characters, and also found that the purported 'starting date' of the Isis operation mentioned in the message came three days earlier than the creation of the key which encrypted it.

Annotating a screenshot from the video, Snowden wrote: "I hope you built a time machine to go with your 'attack plans.'"

Addressing journalists on Twitter, he added: "The Isis video's 'encrypted email' is confirmed fake. If any official responds as if it's real, push back."

He also suggested that by placing these images of "spooky" encryption alongside images of David Cameron, who wants to ban end-to-end encryption in the UK, means Isis sees an advantage in the West "limiting access to strong security.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/technology/edward-snowden-encrypted-isis-email-in-video-is-fake-34394613.html