An investigative report by Le Monde has uncovered a serious security vulnerability, showing that world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, may be at risk due to their security teams’ use of the fitness app Strava. The app, popular for tracking exercise routes, inadvertently reveals data that can trace sensitive locations.

The Le Monde investigation tracked movements of bodyguards for leaders like Biden, Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Strava’s GPS mapping allowed investigators to identify locations where leaders stayed or visited. In one example, Strava data identified Macron’s presence in a Normandy resort, meant to be a private trip, by tracking his security detail’s movements.

French newspaper Le Monde has reported that highly confidential movements of some of the world’s most powerful leaders, including Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, could easily be tracked online through a fitness app used by their bodyguards. https://t.co/4nxD8MKF8a

— 2 News Nevada (@KTVN) October 29, 2024

The U.S. Secret Service stated that they have notified personnel about the potential security risks of using fitness apps, noting that the agency prohibits personal device use during official duties. Meanwhile, Macron’s office reiterated that security protocols protect the president, adding that agents were reminded to avoid apps that could reveal locations.

Security experts say these findings highlight the broader issue of data privacy, with Louisiana State University cybersecurity professor Ibrahim Baggili pointing out that poorly protected app data could aid in stalking or crime. Baggili called for governments to implement stronger controls over data use to prevent misuse by third parties.

Macron's bodyguards reveal his location through their use of a fitness app.

Biden and Putin are reportedly trackable this way too.https://t.co/7tGx2pm1bE

— A Mitchell (@aem76us) October 29, 2024

The ease of accessing personal information on platforms like Strava has led to mounting concerns over digital privacy and protection, especially for those tasked with securing high-profile leaders. The revelation underscores the urgency for governments to re-evaluate policies on data-sharing to close potential security gaps.