White House app privacy fears: alleged GPS tracking and data collection

The new White House app privacy fears are growing after researchers raised concerns that the “direct line to the White House” app may access device GPS and collect more data than its public features suggest. The app provides alerts, livestreams and policy updates, but critics say permissions requested (location, shared storage, network activity) are not consistent with visible functions. One security engineer claims the app can access GPS, despite no clear location-based features such as maps, local news, geofencing, nearby events or weather. Another allegation suggests tracking could occur roughly every 4.5 minutes in the foreground and every 9.5 minutes in the background, though the report provides no independent verification. The White House app privacy fears also extend to privacy policy language, including automatic storage of source IP addresses and possible retention of subscriber names and emails (described as non-essential). The engineer further warns that weak security could allow interception or tampering of API traffic on shared Wi‑Fi networks, and that analysts could potentially observe these risks without “stealth” access. The outlet says it contacted the White House for comment.