The U.S. Secret Service isn’t worried, but
What’s the story?
A recent investigation by French newspaper Le Monde revealed that the sensitive movements of world leaders such as US President Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris can be tracked online. Tracking is possible thanks to the fitness app used by the bodyguard. The U.S. Secret Intelligence Service responded to these findings by saying it did not believe its safeguards had been violated in any way.
Apps used by U.S. Secret Intelligence Service personnel
An investigation revealed that some U.S. Secret Service agents use the popular fitness app Strava. This app is primarily used by cyclists and runners to track their activity and share their workouts with the community. The use of the app was also highlighted after two recent assassination attempts against Trump. The investigation also found that members of the security staff of French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin were Strava users.
Exposing the personal movements of world leaders
Le Monde tracked the Strava movements of Mr Macron’s bodyguards and revealed that he spent a weekend in the Normandy seaside resort of Honfleur in 2021. The trip was to be kept secret and not mentioned on the president’s official agenda. The study also found that tracking a bodyguard’s Strava profile could also reveal the whereabouts of Melania Trump and Jill Biden.
U.S. Secret Intelligence Service responds to investigation
In response to Le Monde’s findings, the U.S. Secret Intelligence Service said its personnel are not allowed to use personal electronic devices on duty during protection missions. However, there are no restrictions on employees’ personal use of social media outside of work hours. The agency has notified affected employees and will evaluate this information to determine if further training or guidance is needed. It also revealed that locations will be “regularly published as part of the public release of schedules.”
Strava reveals location of Biden’s hotel in San Francisco
Le Monde reported that a Strava profile of a US Secret Service official revealed the location of the hotel where Biden stayed for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023. . Hours before Biden’s arrival, officials were jogging from his hotel using Strava, which tracked his route. The newspaper identified 26 U.S. employees, 12 French GSPR personnel, and six Russian Federal Protection Service (FSO) employees who had public Strava accounts and shared their movements online.
Macron’s office responds to security concerns
In response to concerns raised by Le Monde newspaper, President Macron’s office said the impact was “very slight and does not in any way affect the security of the President of the Republic.” They assured that local authorities were always informed of Macron’s movements in advance and that his whereabouts were completely secure at all times. However, the chief of staff warned agents not to use the app.
Security risks associated with fitness apps
Ibrahim Baggili, a computer scientist and cybersecurity professor at Louisiana State University, highlighted the security risks associated with fitness apps. His research shows that malicious actors can use fitness app data to track potential victims, creating risks for robbery, stalking, and other crimes. He emphasized the need for better regulation of how tech companies can use consumer data.
