A recent Le Monde investigation has revealed a potential security loophole, showing that bodyguards’ use of the Strava fitness app may put the locations of world leaders at risk. High-profile figures like U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump could be inadvertently tracked through the public exercise data of their security personnel, creating a serious security vulnerability.
The report identified bodyguards from the U.S. Secret Service, French GSPR, and Russian FSO with Strava profiles that, when analyzed, revealed patterns of movement that could be linked to leaders’ locations. For instance, a U.S. agent’s run traced the route to a hotel where Biden would stay in San Francisco for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that personnel were notified of the issue, stating that on-duty device use is restricted but that the agency does not prohibit personal off-duty use of apps like Strava. However, cybersecurity experts warn that such data could be misused, with Louisiana State University professor Ibrahim Baggili suggesting that personal data policies need to be strengthened to limit exposure risks.
French authorities also acknowledged the investigation, stating that Macron’s safety is assured by local protocols. Nonetheless, Macron’s office issued a reminder to security staff against using apps that track real-time location data, citing the importance of reducing any potential vulnerabilities.
As fitness apps become more widely used, data protection laws and regulations are being re-evaluated, especially as the security of high-profile individuals comes under scrutiny. The Le Monde investigation underscores the urgent need for governments to tighten data-sharing policies to protect both privacy and security for sensitive operations.
