Kill switch for smartphones to keep people from being killed

[Sherman A1]

ST. LOUIS, MO. (KTVI) – People are pushing to have companies install a “kill “ switch on smartphones. They say it could keep smartphone owners from being robbed, injured or even killed.

Next month is the first anniversary of the murder of SLU volleyball star Megan Boken. She was gunned down and her smartphone was stolen. Her friends are working to make sure that never happens to anyone else. Bridget Fonke was Megan’s close friend, “This could definitely save a lot of lives it could have saved hers this was a very preventable crimes she was murdered because of her cell phone.”

25 year old Bridget Fonke coaches young volleyball talent. She is a standout athlete and SLU graduate just like Megan was. Megan was shot to death in the Central West End August 18, 2012 in broad daylight. Two teens were arrested and charged with the killing. Bridget Fonke said, “I just think if we had this the situation could have been completely avoided.”

Megan’s friends and family have joined a nationwide push for people to sign an on-line petition asking smartphone companies to put a “kill” switch in phones. If one is ripped off it could be immediately rendered useless. The web site indicates 1.6 million Americans were victimized for their smartphones last year. Fonke added, “We don’t’ want this to happen again.”

http://fox2now.com/2013/07/23/kill-switch-for-smartphones-to-keep-people-from-being-killed/

[JustAnotherGen]

1. Another article

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2013/06/05/apple-samsung-ny-smartphone-thefts/

According to the Huffington Post, Schneiderman along with San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon question whether a current data-sharing arrangement between the four top U.S. wireless providers is enough.

Both men said “that thieves can get around it [the sharing of stolen phone info] by trafficking stolen phones overseas.”

If the phone has not yet been activated - it can be taken as close as Canada - SIM unlocked - and a GSM SIM placed in it. The change.org petition is good - because it reaches the Carriers that actually OWN the phones and the consumer purchases from. We have more skin in the game than the device OEMs have.

And the Carriers see theft at astronomical rates. That makes me wonder . . . Are they including from distribution fulfillment in that 1.6 million number? I don't think they are.

A bit disjointed this morning as its early still. But one more thought. This database that is proposed . . . I don't have a comfort level with that. One break and a person with malicious intent could take out every single handset. Never mind the the folks who are upset about the NSA as it is . . . They will flip a shit if a database like this is created.

[ceonupe]

2. If her phone had a kill switch wouldn't she still be dead

I'm confused here. Yes I support a way for people to brick their phones after lost or stolen but I don't think it will reduce crimes like this.

How does the criminal even know your phone or carrier supports this? If its a robbery for drug money the phone will change hands in less than a hour in many cases for $20 or so.

Yes her death is tragic but to think criminals will use critical thinking skills before committing an implies crime is crazy