Alleged Israeli spy company targeted Starlink users

TrendAI researchers used digital advertising data to identify an unusual campaign targeting Starlink users. They concluded that Israeli ad-tech firm Discover-Tech was one of the world’s largest bidders for ads shown to Starlink customers, ranking first in more than 100 countries. The researchers viewed the pattern as evidence of tracking or surveillance rather than ordinary advertising. Their report, published October 15, used the codename “Shadow-Earth-79”; people familiar with the work identified the company as Discover-Tech. The report also found it was the top ad buyer in Syria, Libya, Yemen and South Sudan, and ranked second in Afghanistan, despite little apparent demand for legitimate Western advertising in those markets. Researchers considered naming Discover-Tech, but sources say executives raised legal concerns. TrendAI said its cautious attribution practices are intended to reduce the risk of mistaken identification.

Separate investigations by Citizen Lab and ad-tech firm Confiant named Discover-Tech and said it exploited advertising auctions, which can expose user data to bidders. That information can be combined to identify people, track them online or potentially target them with surveillance software. The groups found ads in sensitive networks, including those of media organizations, governments and technology firms. Google, Comcast and other companies removed Discover-Tech from their ad platforms, while a US technology company and an international organization began inquiries into possible employee targeting. The scrutiny reflects Starlink’s ability to bypass local telecom controls and its importance in restricted or conflict zones, including Ukraine.