US Troops Reportedly Tracked Through Commercial Location Data as Lawmakers Raise National Security Concerns

The U.S. Department of Defence has confirmed that hostile actors have used commercially available location data to monitor and track active-duty military personnel, highlighting growing concerns over how data collected from phones, apps, and online services can be exploited.

According to a letter shared by Senator Ron Wyden, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) acknowledged receiving reports that adversaries had used commercial location information to target or surveil American servicemembers.

"USCENTCOM has received multiple threat reports concerning adversary exploitation of commercial location data to target or surveil U.S. personnel in theatre," the letter stated.

The letter did not provide specific examples, and the Department of Defence declined to offer further details. Reuters first reported the development.

Location data is commonly collected through smartphones, computers, apps, and online advertising networks. That information is often sold by data brokers to a wide range of customers, including government agencies and private organisations.

Privacy experts have long warned that such data can reveal highly sensitive information about a person's movements, habits, and whereabouts. The risks become even greater when the individuals involved are military personnel operating in sensitive regions.

Federal agencies have previously cautioned consumers about online tracking, with the FBI recommending ad blockers and privacy tools to reduce the amount of data collected by websites and applications.

Following the disclosure, Senator Wyden argued that the commercial data industry poses a growing national security risk.

"It is time to start treating the adtech industry as a national security threat," Wyden told Reuters.

The revelation adds to ongoing concerns about data privacy and how commercially available location information can be used for surveillance and intelligence purposes.