Kill Switch

Science & Technology

FCC Chief Urges Mobile Industry to Install Anti-Theft Protections on Devices by Default

The current mandate over such features is defined by disparate state laws.

Business News

Smartphone Theft Drops in London, Two U.S. Cities as Anti-Theft Kill Switches Installed

So far, Apple, Samsung and Google have implemented kill switches on their smartphone devices.

Devices

It's Official: All Smartphones Sold in California Must Have a 'Kill Switch'

Phones manufactured after July 1, 2015 and sold in the state must come equipped with an antitheft device that enables consumers to permanently shut them down.

Science & Technology

California's 'Kill Switch' Bill Is One Step Away From Becoming Law

The legislation, which would require smartphone makers to include a preinstalled 'kill switch' on all smartphones sold in the state, has passed in the State Senate and now awaits the governor's signature.

Data & Recovery

Hacker Duo Brings 'Bricked' Apple Devices Back to Life

As the 'kill switch' debate rages on in legal circles and among trade groups, a duo of hackers may have already made the conversation obsolete.