Fitbits Pose 'Increased Risk' for Deployed Troops: DOD

The Pentagon has restricted the use of fitness trackers by deployed personnel after an app revealed the movement of troops in sensitive areas. Per CNN, Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan issued a memo barring use of the technology six months after a fitness tracking company called Strava released a global map of its use that showed the location of troops overseas. Shanahan warned that such data being public can "potentially create unintended security consequences and increased risk" because it exposes personal information, the routines of individuals, and the number of personnel in "operational areas." As NPR notes, the new policy also calls for soldiers to undergo training regarding safety in regard to GPS technology and urges commanders of troops who aren't in deployed areas to consider applying the ban as well. (More GPS stories.)