Researchers flag extensive advertising activity targeting satellite internet users, as separate investigations uncover spyware attacks and exposure of sensitive networks.
An Israeli advertising technology company allegedly targeted Starlink users in more than 100 countries in a suspected surveillance operation, raising concerns that online advertising systems
are being exploited to identify and track satellite internet users.
Researchers at TrendAI, part of Japan’s Trend Micro, found that Discover-Tech was the leading bidder for advertising targeting SpaceX’s Starlink traffic in more than 100 countries, Reuters reported, citing six people familiar with the findings.
The suspected operation, codenamed Shadow-Earth-79, dominated advertising activity in Syria, Libya, Yemen and South Sudan, ranked second in Afghanistan and recorded unusually high bidding activity in Egypt.
The geographic concentration raised suspicions that the activity served surveillance purposes rather than conventional advertising.
Separate investigations by Citizen Lab and Confiant accused Discover-Tech of exploiting advertising auctions to collect user information potentially capable of revealing identities and locations.
In an earlier investigation, Citizen Lab also reported that spyware delivered through Discover-Tech- linked advertising had compromised 45 Windows devices at Qatar-based Al Jazeera between
2024 and 2025.
The findings highlight the potential security consequences for governments, media organizations and users operating in conflict zones, where Starlink provides connectivity beyond conventional
telecommunications networks.
Google, Comcast and other advertising platforms subsequently removed Discover-Tech, while the company and SpaceX did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Related News:
Google Arms Android with AI Shields Against Scams and Surveillance
Starlink Expands Across Gulf as GCC Eyes Satellite Internet for Growth and Security
Read Also:
e& Egypt Partners with NCTS to Provide Advanced Telecom Services via Tiba 1 Satellite
Egypt Rises to Cybersecurity Stardom: Among Top 12 Globally in GCI
