Israeli Advertising Firm Accused of Targeting Starlink Users for Potential Surveillance

2026, October 27

Israel / United States / International

Cybersecurity researchers have linked Israeli advertising technology company Discover-Tech to suspicious advertising activity targeting users of Starlink in more than 100 countries. A Reuters investigation reported that researchers believed advertising-auction data could potentially be exploited to identify users’ locations or facilitate surveillance. The allegations draw on research by TrendAI, Citizen Lab and advertising technology company Confiant. Discover-Tech and SpaceX did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

The case highlights a potential security weakness in digital advertising systems, through which information about users can be exposed to bidders and combined with other data to identify individuals. The reported activity is particularly concerning in countries where satellite internet provides communications outside conventional telecommunications networks, including conflict zones. Google, Comcast and other companies have reportedly removed Discover-Tech from their advertising platforms, while additional investigations into possible targeting of employees are under way.