The Harsh, Polarizing Language of a 'Kill Switch' for Smartphones

A new law in California law will, depending on who you believe, bring about either a drastic drop in violent crime or an increased risk of terrorism -- apparently with the possibility of little in between. The law mandates that all California-sold smartphones include a “kill switch,” an anti-theft measure that allows someone to deactivate his or her phone, rendering it useless to a thief who hopes to sell it. Why is such a straightforward technology producing such extreme statements?