WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Phillica IT Tips Microsoft Help FBI Track Windows User Mobile phone tracking was introduced in the early 2000’s. Windows Location Tracking was introduced into windows in 2015. Although you can turn this feature off, it is still on behind the scenes, as app can still force windows to disclose your location even if your using a VPN. You now can’t even install a printer without having location turned on. In July 2026 the FBI Used GDID, Windows Global Device ID to track and arrest a teenage hacker. Peter Stokes, a 19-year-old who is suspected of being a member of the notorious criminal hacking group Scattered Spider, was extradited from Finland to the United States and accused of hacking “Company F, a luxury-jewellery retailer. Stokes used a VPN to hide his online activity, But Microsoft was able to identify Stokes’ computer thanks to its Global Device Identifier (GDID), a “device-level identifier designed to uniquely identify an installation of a Windows operating system on a device. This may be the first Microsoft has been involved in tracking someone. But it is very common for them to disclose your data From July to December 2025 Microsoft received 27,412 requests for access to customers Files and emails Similarly VPN companies have to keep records of your traffic in case they are requested by Government, Each country has different reason for disclosure some must be from Police some can be by Government requests. Looking for Expert IT Services? Phillica specializes in repairs, virus removal, networking, and troubleshooting. Visit: 410 Tarean Road, Karuah or call Phill: 4987 0188.
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