https://archive.ph/VcBLY

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.

  • softcat@lemmy.ca
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    1 day ago

    Considering they were caught having spyware on Merkel’s phone from 2002-2013, it’s strange to only make the change now.

    • latenightnoir@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      1 day ago

      Merkel was a plant. I get the feeling most of Merkel’s phone is spam, ads, and poorly focused photos. Fitting sacrifice to keep the spies thinking they were winning.

      • albert180@piefed.social
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        1 day ago

        She did quite well keep the right wing assholes inside and outside under control for a decade. That’s a win for me

  • Avid Amoeba@lemmy.ca
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    1 day ago

    It’s reasonable to assume that whatever the US dumps from thos ephomes would end up in Moscow so it makes sense.

  • huppakee@lemm.ee
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    1 day ago

    I hope they don’t toss them out like criminals do, so much e-waste already.

    • alanjaow@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      It’s Europe, so I’d presume they’d recycle. Of course, the phones might warrant secure disposal that precludes standard recycling.

      • Brett@feddit.org
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        1 day ago

        As an european i feel flattered with that assesment. But that would be really bad handling of IT-security. I truly never want to get hold of the ‘recycled’ phone of high ranking politician.

      • huppakee@lemm.ee
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        1 day ago

        I presume and expect them to as well, just really hoping they don’t take the word burner too serious

        • amelore@slrpnk.net
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          1 day ago

          Devices with sensitive information are shredded, often the battery is removed to recycle separately.