EU confirms issuing ‘burner phones’ to top officials but denies practice caused by Trump
A spokesperson for the European Commission has confirmed that “burner phones” are indeed provided to top officials, but they firmly deny that this practice was instigated by concerns raised during the Trump administration. This follows reports highlighting increased risks of surveillance when EU officials travel to the United States, which includes advice for senior officials to switch off their phones and use protective measures while crossing borders.
Key Points
- The EU provides burner phones to officials but claims it is a long-standing practice unrelated to US travel.
- There are heightened surveillance fears related to travelling to the US, prompting updated travel recommendations.
- Burner phones help mitigate risks in environments where devices may be compromised.
- The European Commission emphasised that these measures are applied globally and not specifically due to US travel concerns.
- Senior officials are advised to employ additional protective measures, such as using Faraday pouches, while abroad.
Why should I read this?
If you’re interested in the intersection of diplomacy and technology, this article sheds light on how the EU is adapting to perceived threats during international travel. The mention of burner phones is particularly intriguing, as it not only highlights concerns about surveillance but also shows the lengths officials go to protect sensitive information. You might want to stay informed about how politics and security are evolving in our increasingly connected world, and this summary gives you just that!
“`