Legislation in California was passed on Monday that would require all smartphones to be sold in the state be equipped with a “kill switch” that makes them inoperable if the phones become lost or stolen. The bill still needs to be signed by Governor Jerry Brown to be finalized.
The law would be the strongest measure taken against smartphone thefts by a U.S. state as it requires smartphone manufacturers to inform consumers of the anti-theft technology available on their phones. Wireless companies would need to verify login information of de-activated phones before they can be turned back on. Once approved by Governor Brown, the law would require all smartphones sold in California after July 2015 to have anti-theft technology installed.
Read more about the anti-theft bill passed by California legislators.
