New York, NY - April 15, 2014 - New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón today issued the following statement in response to a voluntary commitment announced by CTIA-The Wireless Association – which represents the wireless communications industry – regarding the inclusion of anti-theft tools in future cell phones:
“While CTIA’s decision to respond to our call for action by announcing a new voluntary commitment to make theft-deterrent features available on smartphones is a welcome step forward, it falls short of what is needed to effectively end the epidemic of smartphone theft. We strongly urge CTIA and its members to make their anti-theft features enabled by default on all devices, rather than relying on consumers to opt-in. The industry also has a responsibility to protect its consumers now and not wait until next year. Every week that passes means more people are victimized in street crimes that often turn violent, and more families will have to endure the needless loss of a loved one. The epidemic of smartphone theft is a global problem that requires a global solution, these protections should not be limited to consumers here in the United States. Today’s announcement is an important acknowledgment by the smartphone industry that technology to deter theft is not only feasible, but also practical. Accordingly, our work must continue until the standard is that these solutions are enabled by default.”