The U.S. state of California introduced a new, interesting legal regulation associated with smartphones and tablets. Equipment sold there since the beginning of 2015 years will have to be equipped with the so-called kill-switch.
This option will allow users in the event of theft to remotely lock the device, making it useless to a thief. The lock will have to be permanently installed in the software, and there will be no possibility to remove it - whether by changing the software or by erasing the phone to factory settings. A buyer will be able to change the scope of protection - for example, establish that the locked phone become a "brick", or just it won't allow you to make calls. Buyers will also be able to consciously opt out of the lock by signing the relevant document when purchasing. For sale of an unprotected phone there is a punishment to 2500 dollars. Adjustment does not include of course second-hand phones - I guess that the seller will have to remove the lock or pass the password to the subsequent purchaser.
Where did the idea for a new law come from? California is faced with the scourge of theft of electronic devices. They represent up to half of all stolen goods recorded by the police raids. If the new law in California checks out, it is likely to be extended to all other states of the USA. I think that in our country this idea would meet with social approval. Each of us can fall victim to theft of a phone, and I'm sure everyone knows someone who fell victim of theft. Many users install similar applications on their own, the manufacturers also tend to offer the ability to remotely lock and locate your phone. Do you think that the introduction of such a solution as a mandatory make sense? Or maybe you are already using something?
Source NetworkWorld
