An investigation by the French newspaper Le Monde has uncovered a significant security breach involving the Strava fitness app, which inadvertently discloses the precise locations of world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris. This alarming finding raises questions about the effectiveness of the protective measures in place for high-profile figures.
Strava’s Unintentional Exposure
The investigation highlighted that certain U.S. Secret Service agents utilize the Strava app during their protective assignments. This usage has been ongoing, even following two assassination attempts on Trump. Strava is primarily a fitness tracking application, enabling users, particularly runners and cyclists, to document their activities and engage with a community of fitness enthusiasts.
Notably, Le Monde traced the movements of security personnel guarding French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin as well. In a revealing instance, the newspaper tracked Macron’s bodyguards to Honfleur, a Normandy resort, where he spent a weekend away from his official agenda in 2021.
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High-Profile Individuals at Risk
Le Monde’s findings suggest that the locations of first ladies Jill Biden and Melania Trump could also be identified through their bodyguards’ Strava activity. The implications of this are concerning, given the potential risks associated with publicly sharing sensitive information related to personal security.
In response to these revelations, the U.S. Secret Service reassured Le Monde that they do not believe their protective operations were compromised. They stated that agents are prohibited from using personal electronic devices while on duty. However, they clarified that this does not extend to personal social media usage during off-duty hours.
“We will review this information to determine if any additional training or guidance is required,” the agency added.
Strava Profiles Revealing Sensitive Locations
Le Monde detailed another instance where a U.S. Secret Service agent’s Strava profile exposed the location of a hotel in San Francisco, where Biden later stayed for crucial talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023. The agent jogged from the hotel shortly before Biden’s arrival, allowing a clear tracking of his route on Strava.
The investigation identified 26 U.S. agents, 12 members of France’s GSPR (Security Group of the Presidency of the Republic), and 6 members of Russia’s FSO (Federal Protection Service) who had public accounts on Strava. These profiles displayed their movements online, including during official trips, leading to concerns about possible security breaches.
Responses from Leaders and Authorities
Macron’s office responded to the investigation, stating that the reported issues have minimal consequences for the president’s security. Local authorities are informed in advance of Macron’s movements, and all locations where he stays are thoroughly secured.
“A reminder was nevertheless issued to agents by the chief of staff asking them not to use this app,” Macron’s office stated, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance.
Moreover, the report highlighted the potential risks of identifying presidential bodyguards, some of whom use their full names on Strava. This exposure could lead to unwanted scrutiny regarding their personal lives, addresses, and movements, creating opportunities for malicious individuals to exploit the information.
