FBI Files Reveal Steve Jobs' Dark Side

Newly released FBI background interviews on Apple founder Steve Jobs have revealed some unfavourable details about the technology tycoon's character.

The 191-page file on Jobs includes transcripts of interviews conducted in 1991 as part of background checking procedures before he could join the President's Export Council during George W Bush's administration.

The interviews were held with colleagues, friends, family and neighbours of Jobs - who died in October from pancreatic cancer - and address his temperament as a businessman, his relationship with a partner and his spirituality.

One person told FBI agents the Apple founder's enormous power caused him "to twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals".

Another person described Jobs to the FBI as a deceptive person, and said his power had "caused him at times to lose sight of honesty and integrity".

As part of the check, Jobs himself was also interviewed and files reveal he had experimented with marijuana, hashish and LSD between 1970-74 while at school and university.

The report also notes that he had been involved in several lawsuits, but never arrested.

Jobs, who had left Apple at the time and was head of NeXT Computer, was described by those interviewed as "strong-willed, stubborn, hardworking and driven". The report even goes on to describe him as a "genius".

"They further stated, however that Mr Jobs possesses integrity as long as he gets his way," the report said.

The report also looked into his relationship with his partner at the time and their daughter.

"In the past, Mr Jobs was not supportive of (his partner) and their daughter: however, recently he has become more supportive," it said.

One woman interviewed by the FBI said Jobs' personal life was "lacking due to his narcissism and shallowness" but added that he has "far reaching vision".

The report goes on to describe one person finding Jobs "had undergone a change in philosophy by participating in eastern and/or Indian mysticism and religion".

"This change apparently influenced the Appointee's personal life for the better," the FBI said, adding that Jobs "lives more of a Spartan-like and at times even monastic existence."