Danish authorities banned from using Bluetooth at work – media
Denmark’s intelligence service (FE) has reportedly warned the country’s authorities and police to stop using Bluetooth headphones, citing a heightened risk of eavesdropping amid escalating tensions with the US over Greenland.
In a memo circulated late last week and seen by the Ingenioren news outlet, the FE alerted government agencies and police districts to the surveillance risk posed by wireless audio accessories connected via Bluetooth, such as Airpods and other headphones, earbuds and speakers.
The notice recommended that all police employees deactivate Bluetooth on mobile phones, tablets, and computers used for work until further notice.
Sources within the police told the newspaper the urgent warning likely stems from “a very concrete incident or suspicion,” noting the unusual severity of the directive. FE told the outlet that it was relaying a technical vulnerability publicized by security researchers, but the timing, according to Ingenioren, points to intensified security fears.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Copenhagen over US President Donald Trump’s campaign to annex Greenland – an autonomous Danish territory with a population of about 56,000 people.
Trump has framed the acquisition of the island as a national security imperative to counter Russia and China in the Arctic – a claim officials in Copenhagen, Beijing, and Moscow have consistently dismissed as baseless.
Last week, Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European NATO nations, including Denmark, for opposing his bid and sending symbolic troop deployments to the island. He added that the tariffs would rise to 25% in June until a “complete and total purchase” is achieved.
European leaders have denounced Trump’s threats as “blackmail” that risk a “dangerous downward spiral.” The EU is preparing retaliatory trade measures, while Denmark and Greenland insist the island is not for sale.
