Ooops! Military files found on bought MP3 player

Eighteen Dollars, an MP3 Player and "Sensitive" US Army Files

Tuesday 27 January 2009
by: Guerric Poncet, Le Point

Surprise! A New Zealander made a startling discovery while attempting to operate an MP3 player purchased at a bargain stall in Oklahoma: about sixty American Army secret files were present in the device's memory. Twenty-nine-year-old Chris Ogle explored the data, containing the names and personal information of American soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and in Iraq. Dating from 2005, they probably can no longer compromise the American Army on the ground. Nonetheless, their divulgation is embarrassing.

According to the New Zealand national television channel, TV One, the documents reveal the soldiers' names, Social Security numbers and telephone numbers, and sometimes even mention "pregnant." Some telephone numbers are still active, according to the channel's journalist. Purchased for only $18 in Oklahoma, in the United States, the MP3 player never worked for music, according to its owner. Contacted by TV One, the American authorities did not wish to comment on the news. Mr. Ogle made it known to the US Army that he is ready to give back the player if it is demanded of him.

(More here.)