Met Police calls on tech firms to make stolen phones unusable
BBC News 2026-06-11 05:44:16
Context: The Metropolitan Police Service, commonly referred to as the Met Police, is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in Greater London, England. In an effort to combat crime and improve public safety, the Met Police has been working with technology companies to address the issue of stolen phones. The force's commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has recently made a call to action to the home secretary, requesting legislation that would require tech firms to take a more proactive role in preventing the use of stolen devices.
Key Facts
- Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, has formally requested that the home secretary introduce legislation that would require technology companies to make stolen phones unusable, effectively rendering them useless to thieves.
- The proposed legislation would also mandate that tech firms publish data on stolen devices, which would provide valuable information to law enforcement agencies and help them track down stolen phones.
- The move is part of the Met Police's ongoing efforts to combat crime and improve public safety in London, where the use of stolen phones is a significant concern.
- The exact details of the proposed legislation, including the specific requirements for tech firms and the penalties for non-compliance, have not been specified.
- The home secretary has not yet responded to Sir Mark Rowley's request, and it is unclear at this time whether the proposed legislation will be introduced.