Copenhagen, January 20, 2026 (Agencies) – Danish authorities and police have reportedly been instructed to stop using Bluetooth-enabled devices at work following a security warning issued by Denmark’s intelligence service, citing the risk of potential eavesdropping amid rising tensions with the United States over Greenland.
According to a memo circulated late last week by the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (FE) and seen by local media outlet Ingenioren, government agencies and police districts were alerted to vulnerabilities associated with wireless audio accessories such as Bluetooth headphones, earbuds and speakers. The memo warned that such devices could be exploited for surveillance purposes if left active during official duties.
The advisory recommended that all police personnel immediately deactivate Bluetooth functions on work-related mobile phones, tablets and computers until further notice. Sources within the police described the warning as unusually serious, suggesting it may be linked to a specific incident or credible suspicion rather than a routine precaution.
While FE told the media that the notice was based on a known technical vulnerability previously highlighted by security researchers, the timing of the directive has raised concerns about heightened threat perceptions. Analysts note that the warning comes against the backdrop of growing diplomatic strain between Copenhagen and Washington.
Relations have deteriorated following renewed statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the annexation of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory with a population of around 56,000. Trump has argued that acquiring the island is essential for US national security to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, a claim rejected by Danish, Chinese and Russian officials.
The situation escalated further last week when Trump announced the imposition of 10 percent tariffs on eight European NATO countries, including Denmark, accusing them of opposing his Greenland plan and supporting symbolic troop deployments to the island. He also warned that tariffs could rise to 25 percent by June unless what he described as a “complete and total purchase” is achieved.
European leaders have strongly criticized the threats, calling them coercive and warning of a dangerous escalation in transatlantic relations. The European Union is reportedly preparing retaliatory trade measures, while Denmark and Greenland have reiterated that the island is not for sale and that its future will be decided by its people.