Pentagon says military personnel are targeted using location datatargeted using location data
The Pentagon said in letters seen on Thursday and Friday that U.S. military personnel are being targeted using location data collected through web browsers and other digital services.
The warning focuses on government-issued devices and the risk that data-sharing tools can expose troop movements and other sensitive information. It matters because the issue goes beyond privacy and into operational security for armed forces.
Pentagon
The Pentagon’s warning frames location data as a direct security risk for service members and military operations. Officials say tools that collect and share user data can create openings for adversaries to track personnel.
Alphabet’s Google said Chrome includes privacy and security features and has changed over time to reduce unnecessary data collection. The company’s response suggests it disputes the idea that the browser itself should be treated as a threat.
- Modern browsers can store enough signals to help advertisers infer where a device has been.
- Military agencies often restrict apps and browser tools on official devices for security reasons.
- Location histories have been central evidence in several criminal and espionage investigations worldwide.
