Why Apple and Google Are Refusing to Help Police Fight Phone Theft

The UK government’s efforts to make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen mobile phones have hit a roadblock. Apple and Google, two of the world’s largest tech companies, are refusing to help police remotely disable stolen phones, citing concerns about online security and the potential for blackmail.

The issue centers around the IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique identifier burned into every mobile phone. This identifier can be used to blacklist a stolen phone, preventing it from connecting to cell networks and making it virtually useless. However, the effectiveness of this system is compromised by the lack of a single universal IMEI blacklist and the fact that not all carriers use it.

In theory, extending IMEI blocking into the cloud would cripple stolen phones and make them virtually useless anywhere. But Apple and Google are hesitant to take this step, with Apple citing concerns about online security and Google claiming that IMEIs are a “special bond” between carriers and subscribers.

Industry experts speculate that the real reason for Apple and Google’s refusal to cooperate is the potential impact on their revenue. Every device connected to a cloud service means revenue, and the existence of an effective afterlife for stolen phones would be equivalent to an entire international aid effort seeding modern smartphones lacking modern services into places that couldn’t afford them otherwise.

This attitude is not unique to Apple and Google, but is rather a symptom of a larger problem in the tech industry. While companies invest billions in AI and security, they are often reluctant to invest in systematic cooperation towards a proper consumer-focused identity environment.

The consequences of this refusal to cooperate are far-reaching. Phone theft is a significant problem, with thousands of people having their phones stolen every year. The impact on individuals and society is traumatic, with stolen phones often being used for identity theft and other crimes.

In addition to the personal costs, phone theft also has a significant economic impact. According to a recent study, the global cost of mobile phone theft is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. This cost is not just limited to the loss of the phone itself, but also includes the costs of replacement, as well as the impact on productivity and economic activity.

The lack of cooperation between tech companies and law enforcement is also a missed opportunity for innovation. A federated security system, where users can control who has access to their identity information, could be a game-changer in the fight against identity theft and phone theft.

However, this requires a level of cooperation and coordination between companies that is currently lacking. As one industry expert noted, “We need to see a willingness from companies to work together to create a secure and user-friendly identity environment. This is not just a matter of security, but also of trust and reputation.”

Until this happens, the problem of phone theft will continue to plague individuals and society. As one victim of phone theft noted, “It’s not just about the phone itself, but about the sense of security and trust that’s lost when it’s stolen. We need to see companies taking responsibility for their role in this problem and working towards a solution.”

The UK government’s efforts to make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen mobile phones are a step in the right direction. However, without the cooperation of tech companies like Apple and Google, this effort will ultimately be for naught. It’s time for these companies to take responsibility for their role in this problem and work towards a solution that prioritizes the security and well-being of their users.