Ad Trackers Expose Military Secrets: A Surveillance State Problem

The US military’s decision to disable advertising trackers on its devices is a belated acknowledgment of the vulnerabilities exposed by the commercialization of personal data. The revelation that location information purchased through data brokers was used to target American forces in the Middle East should not come as a surprise, given the numerous high-profile reports highlighting the ease with which adversaries can access sensitive information about US military personnel and contractors.

Senator Ron Wyden’s involvement is noteworthy, particularly his warnings to the Department of Defense’s Inspector General over the past few months. His concerns, raised in May, centered on the potential for commercial location data to be used against U.S. troops, potentially compromising their security through targeted attacks or counterintelligence efforts. The Pentagon’s initial response was characterized by inertia and alarm.

Recent reports demonstrate a pattern: the military’s failure to address vulnerabilities created by the widespread availability of personal data is symptomatic of a larger problem – one that has been exacerbated by the growing commercialization of location information. From the 2018 incident involving fitness apps like Strava being used to identify secret bases, to the tracking of US military operations through soldier-issued phone data in 2021, and now the use of commercially available data to pinpoint American forces’ locations in the Middle East – it’s clear that the surveillance state has become a double-edged sword.

The involvement of Iran and other adversarial nations is particularly disturbing, as they have been able to exploit this information without spending money on commercial location data. The July report highlighting the use of videos recorded by American military members in the Middle East to identify personnel locations underscores the gravity of the situation. This is not simply a matter of bad luck or unscrupulous individuals; it’s a systemic issue that demands an overhaul.

The Air Force, Special Operations Command, and the Army have only recently acted to disable advertising trackers, suggesting this move is more of a reaction than a proactive measure. The disabling of trackers on mobile devices by the Army earlier this year was followed closely by similar actions from other branches, raising questions about how long it took for them to recognize the threat posed by these ad trackers.

The reliance on personal data by our military, though well-intentioned in terms of efficiency and morale, has come at a significant cost. The use of commercially available location information to target American forces not only puts lives at risk but also compromises national security. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we address this vulnerability head-on – by reforming data collection practices, bolstering cybersecurity measures, and ensuring personnel are adequately trained in the risks associated with sharing personal data.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of living in an era where personal data is both commodified and accessible to anyone with the right tools. The US government would do well to take note and work towards creating stricter regulations around data collection, usage, and protection – not just for its personnel but also for civilians who unknowingly contribute to these vulnerabilities.

The surveillance state has become a double-edged sword, and it’s time we took steps to ensure that our own security isn’t compromised by the very tools designed to make our lives easier.