Summary
Members of the UK Parliament have urged major tech companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google to do more to prevent mobile phone thefts. The MPs believe that these companies could implement technical solutions to make stolen phones less useful and, therefore, less valuable. In London alone, phone thefts increased significantly in 2024, with many stolen devices being used overseas.
Key Facts
- UK MPs on the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee say tech companies are not doing enough to stop phone thefts.
- Apple, Samsung, and Google were mentioned as companies that could implement better anti-theft measures.
- In London, 80,000 smartphones were reported stolen in 2024, up from 64,000 in 2023.
- UK networks block stolen phones using a unique number called an IMEI, but this does not work internationally.
- Around 78% of stolen phones in London connect to networks abroad.
- MPs suggest using cloud-based blocking to make stolen phones less valuable globally.
- Tech companies are criticized for not implementing available anti-theft technologies.
- Apple's representative faced questioning over the lack of progress in preventing phone thefts.
