Coke cans concern US Military b ases

NEW YORK: There’s a new security threat at some of the military bases in the US — and it looks uncannily like a can of Coke. Specially rigged Coke cans, part of a summer promotion, contain cell phones and global positioning chips. That has officials at some installations worried the cans could be used to eavesdrop, and they are instituting protective measures.

Coca-Cola Co says such concerns are nothing but fizz. Mart Martin, a Coca-Cola spokesman, said no one would mistake one of the winning cans from the company’s “Unexpected Summer” promotion for a regular Coke. “The can is dramatically different looking,” he said. The cans have a recessed panel on the outside and a big red button. “It’s very clear that there’s a cell phone device.” Winners activate it by pushing the button, which can only call Coke’s prize center, he said. Data from the GPS device can only be received by Coke’s prize center. Prizes include cash, a home entertainment center and an SUV. “It cannot be an eavesdropping device,” he said.sssssss