Lawmakers Warn Pentagon Over Data Brokers Targeting US Troops

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have issued a stern warning to the Department of Defense (DOD) about the vulnerability of U.S. military personnel due to commercially available location data. In a letter addressed to Pentagon CIO Kirsten Davies, 14 members of Congress led by Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Pat Harrigan expressed deep concern over the lack of basic security measures to protect service members from adversaries exploiting personal information, including cell phone location data.

The revelation comes after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported multiple instances where foreign adversaries have used commercially acquired location data to target or surveil American troops in active war zones. The lawmakers emphasized that this threat is not new but has been exacerbated by the failure of DOD leadership to implement recommended cybersecurity measures promptly. They noted that such data can be easily purchased from legitimate brokers for a nominal fee, allowing anyone with access to track individuals who follow predictable routines or are stationed in remote areas.

The letter underscores the urgent need for immediate action, including disabling unique advertising IDs on government-issued smartphones and removing web browsers designed to facilitate data collection by major tech companies. The lawmakers also urged the Pentagon to pre-install privacy-focused alternatives that offer robust anti-tracking defenses such as ad blocking and Global Privacy Control (GPC) features. These steps are crucial in safeguarding military personnel from potential threats posed by adversaries leveraging commercially available location data.