Tech & Rights

Dutch Defense Ministry Bans Fitness Apps for Soldiers After Data Leak

The Dutch Ministry of Defense temporarily made it impossible to install sports and fitness apps on Defense phones, Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld told Parliament, after it was revealed that personal data can easily be...

by PILP
(Image: Nicola/Flickr - CC content)

The Dutch Ministry of Defense temporarily made it impossible to install sports and fitness apps on Defense phones, Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld told Parliament, after it was revealed that personal data can easily be obtained from the Polar fitness app. "Private data of military personnel, civilian staff and in particular intelligence services are out on the streets, at home and abroad," Bijleveld said. "The ministry repeatedly reminded staff of the specific vulnerability of such apps." Around 208 sensitive locations and 6,460 people of 69 nationalities were identified.

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