FT: EU issues US-bound staff with burner phones over spying fears

[Dennis Donovan]

FT - EU issues US-bound staff with burner phones over spying fears

European Commission officials heading to IMF and World Bank spring meetings advised to travel with basic devices

Andy Bounds in Brussels
Published 52 minutes ago

The European Commission is issuing burner phones and basic laptops to some US-bound staff to avoid the risk of espionage, a measure traditionally reserved for trips to China.

Commissioners and senior officials travelling to the IMF and World Bank spring meetings next week have been given the new guidance, according to four people familiar with the situation.

They said that the measures replicate those used on trips to Ukraine and China, where standard IT kit cannot be brought into the countries for fear of Russian or Chinese surveillance.

“They are worried about the US getting into the Commission systems,” said one official.

The treatment of the US as a potential security risk highlights how relations have deteriorated since the return of Donald Trump as US president in January. 

/snip

[Solly Mack]

1. Can't fault them. Better safe than Trump.

[pfitz59]

2. I'm sure Intel sharing has been curtailed

and Interpol is not working with the FBI.

[The Madcap]

3. At some point

Will they just stop coming here?

[FirstLight]

4. They better make sure their passports are in order to

Looks like i c e doesn't care if somebody is from Canada, Europe, or any kind of prominent person. I read yesterday that they kept a Canadian actress for 12 days. Although these bankers have 💰 so maybe they're on the good list?

[Prairie Gates]

5. Alrighty

[markodochartaigh]

6. How long

before social media access is required for ESTA?

[spooky3]

7. This has to be a pain for travelers. Calendars, Contacts,

And lots of other info we need are on our phones.

[liberalla]

8. Playing it safe and smart. A good idea.

[mdbl]

9. Don't blame them

The US is a security risk.