New Initiatives to Combat Massive Smartphone & Data Theft

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski joined major police department chiefs, including New York City Police Commissioner
Raymond E. Kelly, Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier, Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, wireless carriers, and Senator Chuck Schumer to announce new initiatives to combat cell phone and data theft.

Chairman Genachowski commended police departments and members of Congress, in particular Senator Schumer, for calling attention to a growing epidemic of robberies targeting smartphone users. Genachowski announced an industry commitment to develop a shared, centralized database that will record unique identifiers of stolen wireless devices to prevent their reuse, thereby making it harder for thieves to resell stolen wireless devices. Legislation, sponsored by Senator Schumer, will ensure that authorities have the tools they need to crack down on efforts to evade this technological solution.

New initiatives by wireless carriers -- initially including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint who cover 90 percent of US subscribers -- include:

• Implement a database to prevent use of stolen smartphones. Within six months, when Americans call their participating wireless provider and report their wireless devices stolen, their provider will block that device from being used again. This system will be rolling out globally using common databases across carriers over the next 18 months.
• Encourage users to lock their phones with passwords. Smartphone makers will notify and educate users in the most highly visible ways—through messages on the smartphone itself and through “Quick Start” user guides—about how to use passwords to deter theft and protect their data.
• Educate users on lock/locate/wipe applications. Wireless providers will directly inform their customers about how to find and use applications that enable customers to lock/locate/and wipe smartphones remotely.
• Public education campaign on how to protect your smartphone and yourself. The wireless industry will launch a campaign, with media buys, to educate consumers on how to protect their smartphones and themselves from crime.
• Progress benchmarks and ongoing dialog. The wireless industry will publish quarterly updates and submit them to the FCC on progress on these initiatives.