'Kill switch' law will limit variety of phones available here

'Kill switch' law will limit variety of phones available here

SINGAPORE - Many more mobile applications and mobile phones allow end users to locate and lock their lost phones, or erase the data on the phone remotely.

In Singapore, mobile operators will also deactivate the SIM card once a mobile phone has been reported stolen.

Major equipment manufacturers and operating system providers have also announced they will be implementing the "kill switch" feature for new phone models.

Mr Francis Cheng's proposal to implement "kill switch" legislation for Singapore may have unintended effects ("Introduce cellphone 'kill switch' here"; Sept 8).

Singapore is a small market and the introduction of a "kill switch" law at this point in time would limit the variety of mobile phones that can be made available to consumers.

At present, it would be better for Singapore to monitor the impact of "kill switch" legislation in other countries, and not rush to introduce legislation.

Meanwhile, we urge mobile phone users to remain vigilant in public spaces and take care of their personal belongings. Should their phones be stolen, they should contact their mobile operator to report the loss and make a police report immediately.

- Ng Sook Fun (Ms)

Director, Communication

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore


This article was first published on September 24, 2014.
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