Pentagon Says US Military Personnel Tracked Using Smartphone Location Data

U.S. military personnel deployed in conflict zones have reportedly been targeted through commercially available location data, according to a Pentagon linked communication that has intensified concerns around digital surveillance and national security. U.S. Central Command confirmed receiving multiple threat reports suggesting adversaries may have used location tracking data to monitor or target American troops in active regions.

Lawmakers warned that commercially collected smartphone location information can reveal troop movements, gathering points and behavioral patterns. Security officials fear such data could be exploited for military attacks, including missile strikes, drone surveillance or counterintelligence operations.

Pentagon Faces Pressure to Strengthen Digital Privacy Protections

Members of Congress are urging the Pentagon to act quickly by restricting location sharing on military-issued devices and limiting exposure to advertising technologies that collect user data. Recommendations also include disabling advertising identifiers and encouraging privacy-focused browsing alternatives.

The issue highlights growing fears that the global data brokerage system, originally built for digital advertising, may now pose direct risks to military operations and national defense.