Fitness Apps Expose Presidential Security Risks: Le Monde Investigation Reveals Vulnerabilities in Strava Tracking
In a shocking revelation, an investigation by French newspaper Le Monde has uncovered that the confidential movements of U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and other world leaders can be tracked online through the Strava fitness app. The app, popular among runners and cyclists, is also used by bodyguards responsible for protecting these high-profile figures, inadvertently creating security risks.
Tracking Bodyguard Movements
Le Monde reported that U.S. Secret Service agents and international security personnel actively use Strava, which allowed journalists to trace their movements. For instance, during Biden’s 2023 San Francisco trip for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, an agent’s jogging route from the hotel — logged on Strava — revealed sensitive location details. Similarly, tracking French President Emmanuel Macron’s security team in 2021 enabled Le Monde to identify his undisclosed private trip to Honfleur.
The report noted that agents protecting Macron, Biden, Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin frequently log their activities on the app, resulting in trackable digital footprints. This visibility could allow those with access to this data to monitor these high-profile figures, raising significant security concerns. Le Monde refrained from naming individual agents but emphasized the risks when security personnel travel in advance to locations for official meetings or stays.
Official Responses and Security Reassurances
Despite these revelations, the U.S. Secret Service assured that its protection standards were uncompromised. “We do not assess that there were any impacts to protective operations or threats to any protectees,” the agency stated. While agents are prohibited from using personal devices on duty, they are not barred from using social media apps like Strava off-duty. In response, the agency is reviewing the findings to determine if additional training or guidelines are necessary.
France’s GSPR (Security Group of the Presidency of the Republic) offered a similar perspective, acknowledging minimal security risks for Macron. However, French security personnel were reminded to avoid using tracking apps.
Security Concerns and Calls for Data Regulation
This incident has reignited discussions on data privacy and the need for stricter regulations on data usage. Ibrahim Baggili, a cybersecurity professor at Louisiana State University, advocated for more robust government oversight on how consumer data is handled by tech companies. “Companies love our data, and we love the product, so we give away the data for free,” Baggili explained, noting that insufficient data policies expose users to significant security risks, including stalking and robbery.
Implications for Future Security Protocols
Beyond immediate risks, Le Monde’s investigation highlighted that identifying security personnel by name on Strava could expose additional personal information, including home addresses, family details, and social media connections. This exposure could enable coercion or other malicious acts, underscoring the need for stronger security protocols, particularly concerning social media and fitness tracking platforms.
As security vulnerabilities related to technology grow, Le Monde’s findings underscore the necessity of stronger data practices, increased vigilance among protection teams, and tech companies’ responsibility in safeguarding user privacy. It is crucial for users to recognize potential risks and take proactive measures to protect their data, especially when using social media and fitness tracking apps.