Sweden’s prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, is at the centre of a growing security scandal after it emerged that his private address and movements were indirectly exposed on the fitness app Strava by his own bodyguards.
Bodyguards’ posts on Strava revealed sensitive data
Over the past year, Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter identified more than 1,400 training activities posted by seven bodyguards who protect senior government officials. Many of these activities were published on open Strava profiles, inadvertently revealing precise locations, routes, and even private residences connected to protected individuals.
At least 35 times, data uploaded by the bodyguards directly pointed to the prime minister’s private home and regular locations. The leaks also included details about overnight trips abroad, such as a private family visit to Åland, an autonomous region of Finland, in October 2024.
Risks extend to Swedish royals and other political leaders
The investigation further uncovered that similar data linked to Sweden’s royal family, opposition leader Magdalena Andersson, and Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson was also made publicly accessible. This adds to concerns that sensitive movements of high-profile individuals across Sweden are at risk.
Previous global incidents have highlighted how Strava’s open profiles can pose security threats. In 2023, a former Russian submarine commander was reportedly killed using information from his Strava account. Back in 2017, Strava faced scrutiny after a global heatmap inadvertently exposed locations of military bases and intelligence outposts.
Swedish security service opens investigation
Sweden’s security service, Säpo, has launched an investigation, calling the findings “very serious.” A Säpo spokesperson said the information could be used to map security service activities, although they stressed that protection consists of multiple layers beyond just bodyguards.
Measures are now being taken to prevent similar leaks. The prime minister’s office and government offices declined to comment on the issue, referring all questions to Säpo.
Broader questions on digital security
This episode underscores broader challenges governments face in balancing personal data sharing and national security. The rise of fitness tracking apps has repeatedly collided with the confidentiality required for political and military protection. Sweden’s case serves as a stark reminder that even routine jogging routes can become vulnerabilities in an increasingly connected world.
