New Threat in the Digital Battlefield: UTS
The data left behind by smartphones, wearable devices, vehicles, and online accounts can serve as clues to track a soldier’s identity and location, as well as the activities of their unit. U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, identified this pervasive technological surveillance, known as UTS (Ubiquitous Technological Surveillance), as a key threat that the U.S. military’s digital power protection efforts must address.
Representative Jackson stated at a U.S. House Armed Services Committee meeting on June 4, 2026, that the Department of Defense must clearly define its response organization and strategy for Ubiquitous Technological Surveillance (UTS). The relevant provision was included in the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, H.R. 8800.
H.R. 8800 was passed in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, with a vote of 216 in favor and 212 against. However, for this provision to actually take effect, it must undergo the remaining legislative procedures, including Senate review, reconciliation between the two houses, and presidential signature.
What is ubiquitous technology surveillance?
The bill passed by the House of Representatives defines UTS (Ubiquitous Technological Surveillance) as a persistent or networked technological means for detecting, identifying, tracking, utilizing, and monitoring individuals, operations, equipment, or digital activities. It also includes cases where commercial data and services are used for surveillance activities.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office explained that UTS analyzes data collected over a long period to link individuals to other individuals, activities, organizations, and so on. The main data collection areas are divided into five categories: online, electronic devices, finance, visual and physical environment, and travel information.
The process of transforming ordinary data into operational intelligence
Internet searches, social media posts, Bluetooth connections, GPS records, smart devices, payment applications, CCTV footage, and flight information may seem insignificant when considered individually. However, when combined, these data points create a digital profile that reveals a soldier’s identity, network of contacts, lifestyle patterns, and travel routes.
If the movement or consumption patterns of multiple soldiers change simultaneously in a specific area, it could provide clues for estimating troop deployments, training activities, and readiness for operations. This is why publicly available data and commercial data can raise concerns regarding operational security and the protection of personnel.
Risks revealed by GPS and wearable devices
The U.S. Department of Defense determined that location tracking features could expose the size of personnel, their movement patterns, and typical daily activities. Consequently, in 2018, the department restricted the use of geographic information features on government and personal devices in operational areas. This restriction applied to smartphone applications and fitness tracking devices, among other things.
However, it is difficult to prevent UTS simply by disabling a single GPS device. This is because comprehensive management of data from various sources, including vehicle information, payment services, advertising technology, and internet connection sensors, is necessary.
The digital power protection system proposed by Ronny Jackson
The bill on information and special operations, in which Representative Jackson participated as chairman, focuses on establishing a responsible organization and acquisition strategy for the entire Ministry of National Defense, going beyond the security regulations of individual units. The key is to transform the response to Ubiquitous Technological Surveillance (UTS) from a temporary activity into a sustainable national defense program.
Designation of responsible organizations within the Ministry of National Defense
House Bill 1098 stipulates that the Secretary of Defense shall, by April 1, 2027, designate one of the organizations within the Department of Defense and assign UTS-related responsibilities to the head of that organization. The designated organization will be responsible for coordinating and directing the identification of UTS vulnerabilities.
Representative Jackson emphasized the need for a simplified and centralized system rather than a response that is dispersed across multiple organizations. Once a responsible entity is designated, a foundation is established to manage threats identified by each branch of the military, special operations units, and intelligence agencies, using a common standard.
Securing communication and obfuscation technologies
The designated organization must establish plans and strategies for the research and development, as well as the procurement, of secure communication and obfuscation technologies. Obfuscation technology refers to a means of managing digital traces to prevent the other party from easily identifying the actual identities, locations, and purposes of personnel and units based solely on the data they have collected.
The bill requires not only the introduction of technology but also training and the development of techniques to counter Ubiquitous Technological Surveillance (UTS). The goal is not simply to purchase equipment, but to establish an education system that enables soldiers to understand their own digital footprint and reduce it appropriately for the mission environment.
Formalization through defense acquisition programs
If the bill, as passed by the House of Representatives, becomes law with the current wording, the Minister of National Defense must submit to the Congressional National Defense Committee a plan to establish official acquisition programs to meet the overall demand for Ubiquitous Technological Surveillance (UTS) and digital power protection within the Ministry of National Defense within one year of the law’s enactment.
Furthermore, organizations are required to submit a report by December 1, 2027, detailing their security communication, obfuscation technology strategies, and information about the responsible departments. This measure aims to link the budget, acquisition procedures, and performance management systems related to UTS (Unmanned Systems) countermeasures.
Effectiveness and challenges of military personnel protection policies
The U.S. Government Accountability Office assessed that publicly accessible military-related data could threaten the privacy and safety of individuals, the success of missions, and national security. It also stated that the Department of Defense’s current response measures are limited, and proposed 12 recommendations to strengthen policy reviews, inter-agency cooperation, training, and risk assessments.
Therefore, simply prohibiting the use of personal devices by soldiers is not sufficient for digital power protection. To maintain operational efficiency while reducing exposure, it is necessary to implement risk assessments for each mission, introduce secure communication methods, minimize data collection, and provide training on managing digital footprints.
Protecting the personal information of soldiers and maintaining operational security are not separate issues. It is also necessary to clearly define the scope of data collection and access permissions, and to explain to military personnel how protection technologies are implemented, in order to build long-term trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does a targeted cyber attack differ from a typical cyber attack?
Cyberattacks often focus on system intrusion or destruction. UTS, however, has a broader scope. It continuously collects and analyzes traces from public information, commercial data, and connected devices to identify and track individuals and operations.
Can turning off a smartphone’s GPS prevent the exposure of a soldier’s location?
Disabling GPS is one way to reduce risk, but it is not a complete solution. Other information, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, application data, payment information, and travel history, can also be used to infer location and behavioral patterns.
What are the key measures proposed by Congressman Ronny Jackson?
The key elements include establishing a dedicated organization within the Ministry of National Defense responsible for UTS (Unmanned Systems), identifying vulnerabilities, developing and procuring security communication and obfuscation technologies, developing response training, and implementing an official acquisition program at the Ministry of National Defense level.
Is the UTS provision of H.R. 8800 already in effect?
No. H.R. 8800 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, but it has not yet been finalized as a law. Additional procedures are required, including Senate review, reconciliation between the two houses, and presidential signature.
Is digital power protection only necessary for special operations units?
In organizations where concealing identity and location is crucial, such as special operations units, the risks are particularly high. However, publicly available data can also compromise the safety of regular units, civilian employees, military facilities, and families. The bill passed by the House of Representatives covers the needs of the entire Department of Defense.
