SINGAPORE - Military personnel in Singapore can continue using fitness trackers and their applications in camps and bases but these trackers will have to be put away during sensitive or classified operations and training.
The Ministry of Defence said this on Friday (Feb 2) in response to recent security concerns raised that such devices gave away the locations of US military facilities around the world including those in war zones.
Mindef said that it had conducted a risk assessment regarding the use of fitness tracking devices prior to allowing servicemen to use them.
"The conclusion was that in the context of a city state like Singapore, the information derived from these devices could also be obtained from other open sources and did not pose any added security risks," it said.
But the Ministry said there are restrictions on the use of fitness trackers - in Singapore and overseas - in certain instances to maintain operational and information security.
During sensitive or classified operations and training, for example, military personnel will be required to leave these devices in designated storage areas prior to the conduct of these exercises.
Over the week, it was revealed that GPS tracking app Strava's Global Heatmap could potentially give away sensitive information about the US and allied forces from locations of bases to their movements in overseas operations. Reports said such data could be exploited by enemy forces in ambushes or bombings.
The Heatmap is generated from the routes taken by Strava app users, such as joggers and cyclists. The security concerns have prompted US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to order a review of security protocols.
Singapore's Mindef said it is "mindful that the technology for fitness trackers evolves with the addition of more sophisticated tools".
"We are monitoring these developments and will, when required, institute appropriate measures to maintain the security of operations and training," it added.
Mindef explained that fitness trackers and their applications are useful to servicemen in taking ownership of their personal fitness by helping them monitor their progress.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the Home Team does not restrict the use of fitness trackers by its officers but it is "looking into the security implications" of such devices.
