CNN reports that US mobile carriers are obstructing manufacturers’ attempts to implement a ‘kill switch’ for their smartphones. The aim of a kill switch is to render a phone inoperable if the rightful owner no longer has possession, hence discouraging theft. The implementation of kill switches is being promoted by a number of state attorneys, under the collective campaign banner of Secure Our Smartphones. However, CNN’s reporters suggest that a kill switch feature might indirectly hurt telco profits, by lowering demand for handset insurance.
For more from CNN on this story, see here. The mission statement of the Secure Our Smartphones initiative is available from here.
