FCC Urges Smartphone OEMs To Adopt Anti-Theft Technologies

Over the years we have seen an improvement in mobile security especially when it comes to smartphone theft. Companies like Apple and Google have made it so that it is harder for thieves to access your data which in turn will deter them. They have also created features that lets you wipe a phone and render it useless remotely, thus reducing its resale value.

However not all OEMs have gotten on board with these features and this is something that the FCC chairman Tom Wheeler is urging them to do. While it is currently not compulsory for OEMs to include features like data-wiping or remote locking, this is something that Wheeler is urging OEMs to adopt.

According to Wheeler, “If implemented, these features will result in more consumers using these powerful features which, in turn, will mark a key milestone in combatting smart phone

theft.” Of course given that this is merely a recommendation, it is unclear if smartphone OEMs will take heed of Wheeler’s urging.

After all the extra feature would probably mean extra work and extra research and development which in turn could cost them more which isn’t something all companies would be willing to take on, but what do you say? Are such security features a high-priority for you when it comes to purchasing a smartphone, or is it a feature that would be nice to have but not exactly necessary?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: FCC, Legal, Security