“This is absolutely moronic,” said Levitan. Raleigh, N.C.-based telecommunications expert Ben Levitan didn’t mince words when he said the technology isn’t necessary. Apple’s current technology already allows users to erase their phones remotely. It’s unclear how far along various wireless providers are when it comes to adapting to the technology. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has introduced legislation similar to Minnesota’s law. Locally, officials at Best Buy referred a request for comment to the wireless industry, while a Target spokesman said the responsibility for compliance likely will fall to carriers. A similar measure recently cleared California’s Senate that would mandate the devices, but also fine retailers who sell devices without a kill switch. Minnesota’s legislation could become a model for other states. and it will probably be good for business as well,” he said.
Kill switch bill install#
“I think whoever is first to get there and install kill switches on these devices will be very well-received by the public. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, the bill’s sponsor, called the legislation a “belt-and-suspenders” approach to ensuring the industry follows through on its pledge. Hastings said that the uniformity the industry relies on to provide security and choice to consumers could be threatened by piecemeal mandates. “State-by-state technology mandates stifle innovation to the ultimate detriment of the consumer.” “Given the breadth of action the industry has voluntarily taken, we question if the Minnesota bill was unnecessary,” he said. Jamie Hastings, vice president of external and state affairs for the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, said that should be enough. Such phones would still be capable of dialing 911 for emergencies.
Kill switch bill software#
Last month industry leaders agreed to develop smartphone software by 2015 that can remotely wipe a device and prevent reactivation by an unauthorized user. There are no specifics in the measure that dictate how the kill switch requirement should be implemented, leaving that to the nationwide wireless industry that vocally resisted Minnesota’s measure and others like it before reversing its stance last month and pledging to develop the technology for use across the country by next year.Ĭellphone manufacturers and carriers have come under increasing pressure nationally to provide a means of disabling the costly electronic devices that have made their owners targets for thieves.
The law also prohibits retailers from paying cash for used devices, limiting payment to mailed check or electronic transfer. The technology allows smartphone or tablet owners to remotely disable their devices. The legislation requires that by July 1, 2015, any new smartphone sold or purchased in Minnesota must be equipped a “kill switch” or be capable of downloading such an anti-theft app at no cost. Officials say that up to 62 percent of on-campus robberies now are cellphone related. The University of Minnesota, in particular, has experienced a rash of such thefts, with students being targeted for their smartphones and tablets.
Mark Dayton as he signed the bill Wednesday. “This law will help combat the growing number of violent cellphone thefts in Minnesota,” said Gov. Minnesota has become the first state in the nation to require smartphones to carry a so-called kill switch that will disable the devices remotely if they are lost or stolen.
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