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Navigation Disruption: Experts Request Trump's Intervention on the Increasing Incidence of GPS Interference

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Navigation interference: Experts call for Trump to address growing incidents of GPS manipulation
Navigation interference: Experts call for Trump to address growing incidents of GPS manipulation

The GPS Innovation Alliance, a coalition of maritime, automotive, and computer experts, has called on President Trump to enact policies to safeguard the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In a series of letters sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the coalition expressed concerns over the increasing threats of GPS jamming and spoofing, particularly during global conflicts.

According to the coalition, GPS jamming is a tactic often used by militaries to disrupt navigation and location-based systems, gaining a strategic advantage or avoiding missiles. This was evident during the conflicts between Israel and Iran, as well as Russia and Ukraine. GPS spoofing, on the other hand, has become a significant problem for smartphone users and shipping companies, as seen in June during the air war between Israel and Iran.

The GPS Innovation Alliance is urging President Trump to allow law enforcement to coordinate and respond to GPS interference events, and to crack down on illegal sales and use of jamming devices. They also advocate for the White House to take a more active role in raising awareness about the problems posed by GPS spoofing.

In a bid to improve the existing GPS infrastructure, the coalition suggests implementing the latest jam and spoof-resistant antennas in areas where they are most needed. They also propose that the Trump White House prioritizes launching modern GPS satellites and upgrading existing systems with anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology.

The coalition's recommendations extend beyond just protecting the current GPS system. They are also encouraging the White House to explore and support the development of alternative navigation technologies. Some technology companies are already experimenting with alternatives, such as SandboxAQ's system that uses the Earth's magnetic field.

While the search results do not contain information about which persons or organizations the GPS Innovation Alliance called to the Trump White House on Monday to demand prioritization of new GPS satellite development and modernization, it is clear that the coalition believes the President's leadership can deter further harmful interference. This, in turn, would benefit industries that deliver goods and services worldwide and ensure safe transportation.

It is important to note that GPS is considered one of the most important innovations of the modern era, underpinning national security, critical infrastructure, and commerce. As such, its protection is crucial to maintaining the smooth functioning of our globalised world.

In conclusion, the GPS Innovation Alliance's calls for action highlight the urgent need to address the threats posed by GPS jamming and spoofing. By prioritizing the development and implementation of anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies, and by supporting the development of alternative navigation systems, the US can ensure the continued reliability and security of GPS technology.

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