US military disables ad tracking on troops’ devices after reports of targeted attacks
A senator’s letter confirmed that the military turned off advertising tracking on service members’ devices to stop adversaries from using location data to target troops.
The U.S. military decided to disable advertising‑tracking components that had been installed by ad networks on soldiers’ smartphones and other personal devices.
This move was confirmed in a senator’s letter, which warned that foreign adversaries had been using location data obtained through those trackers to aim at military personnel.
Reports indicate that location information was harvested via advertising networks and could then be exploited to plan or adjust hostile operations against troops.
When an adversary knows precisely where forces are located, it can anticipate movements, plan strikes, or launch electronic attacks, directly endangering troop safety.
Defense officials are now reviewing data‑collection practices and limiting ad tracking on personal gear to strengthen operational security and protect service members.
