A smartphone "kill switch" could become mandatory in California if lawmakers pass the proposed bill. The inclusion of a "kill switch" on all smartphones and tablets is intended to deter mobile device theft, a growing problem across the United States.
The bill states that all smartphone manufacturers and carriers must implement "a technological solution that can render the essential features of the device inoperable when the device is not in possession of the rightful owner." The bill does not specify what kind of "kill switch" will be required; it simply states that a measure must be in place that will disable the device's function once it is reported stolen by the owner.
In recent years, the theft of mobile devices has escalated in the United States. The problem is getting worse in California, particularly around Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California lawmakers say. According to statistics, nearly half of all theft that occurs in San Francisco is of mobile devices and in Oakland, that number rises to a whopping 75 percent. Officials say that similar crimes are now becoming more common in Los Angeles, too.
"This legislation is critical to reducing robberies," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote in a statement, urging California lawmakers to pass the bill.
State Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, is a huge proponent of the bill, as is Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck. Leno plans to push the legislation through the State Senate very soon.
Those who have been directly affected by the dangers associated with mobile device theft believe that the law can't be passed soon enough. Paul Boken, whose daughter Megan was killed in 2012 when a thief stole her iPhone, is a vocal supporter of the law.
"The theft of a smartphone ended my daughter's life and forever changed mine," Boken said, adding that the new legislation would "shut down the market for stolen smartphones, which will end the victimization of other innocent smartphone users and save lives."
In general, carriers and manufacturers have a mixed reaction to the idea of making the "kill switch" mandatory. While some tech companies have already created "kill switch" apps and other programs that are aimed at combating theft, others have opposed the idea. Those in opposition are mostly worried that once the government starts legislating what can and cannot be included in mobile devices, innovation will fall behind.
"In general, we agree that it's smart to try to engage technology to improve public safety," said John Doherty, vice president of the industry group TechNet.
"But we are going to be very cautious about attempts to legislatively mandate future technology in products," Doherty added. "That impacts consumer price. That impacts innovation. And there are always unintended consequences."
However, with mobile device theft on the rise, such arguments are quickly dismissed by lawmakers whose immediate concern is public safety.
"The wireless industry must take action to end the victimization of its customers," San Francisco Dist. Atty. George Gascon said in a statement.
