MPs Blame Apple and Google for Surge in Phone Thefts: A Growing Concern
In recent discussions, Members of Parliament (MPs) have leveled serious accusations against tech giants Apple and Google, claiming they are inadvertently profiting from a surge in phone thefts orchestrated by organized crime syndicates in Britain, Algeria, and China. The issue is alarming, as police investigations reveal a troubling connection between mobile device thefts and the profits of these major companies.
The Alarming Statistics Behind Phone Theft Rates
In 2024 alone, London reported a staggering 80,000 phones stolen, marking a significant 25% increase from 2023’s numbers, which stood at 64,000. These stolen devices carry an estimated street value of around £20 million, with iPhones making up the majority of thefts. Such figures not only highlight a growing problem but also raise concerns about the accountability of the companies producing these devices.
A Call to Action: MPs Demand Change
During a recent session of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, the Metropolitan Police put forth a compelling plea for smartphone manufacturers to take action. They propose that Apple and Google implement measures to prevent stolen devices from accessing cloud services. This would render the stolen phones "dumb," effectively slashing their resale value. Darren Scates, the Met’s chief digital data and technology officer, emphasized the urgency of these changes.
However, despite repeated calls for action since 2023, no substantial measures have been put in place. Martin Wrigley, a member of the Liberal Democrat committee, expressed frustration, stating, "Apple and Google continue to profit and sell more phones because these devices are not removed from the system." He urged the companies to act swiftly, with no excuses.
Tech Giants Defend Their Stances
When pressed about the lack of action, representatives from both companies cited their existing security features designed to protect customer data. Simon Wingrove, a software engineering manager at Google, insisted that their systems are "robust and work very well." Meanwhile, Gary Davis, a senior director at Apple, raised concerns about potential misuse of disconnection features, fearing they could be exploited for fraud.
Adding to the controversy, former Conservative policing minister Kit Malthouse suggested that Apple might have commercial incentives for not acting sooner, especially considering the £50 million worth of stolen devices in London each year. He pointed out, "If that stopped, it would be £50 million in sales that would be depressed."
Apple and Google’s Claims of No Profits from Crime
In response to accusations of profiting from phone thefts, Davis stated, "I don’t believe we are profiting," dismissing the notion that the companies benefit from users suffering the trauma of theft. He noted that Apple has invested hundreds of millions into developing protective measures for consumers.
The State of Crime and Thievery in London
Interestingly, while the Metropolitan Police reported a 15% decrease in all types of thefts during April and May, approximately two-thirds of these crimes were related to mobile phones. Commander James Conway highlighted that mobile phone thefts remain "easy crimes to commit" in London, often perpetrated by teenagers riding high-powered ebikes. These thieves usually zip through the streets, executing multiple thefts before swiftly packaging the stolen devices in silver foil or Faraday bags to evade detection.
The Black Market for Stolen Devices
The allure of iPhones and other high-end devices continues to drive the market for stolen phones, which can sell for between £300 and £400 on the streets. The trade is further fueled by the relatively high cost of mobile devices in lower-income countries; over 90% of stolen phones are reused, while the remainder are dismantled for valuable parts, notably screens.
Witnessing Theft in Action
The urgency of this issue resonated with Malthouse, who candidly shared that he witnessed an attempted phone theft by two masked individuals on bikes just hours before attending the parliamentary session. This incident underscores the escalating nature of phone thefts and the dire need for intervention.
Conclusion: Time for Accountability
As the numbers and testimonies indicate, the rise in phone thefts is not just a criminal issue but a tech accountability one that demands immediate attention from industry leaders. Apple and Google have a social responsibility to implement procedures that protect consumers and their devices, especially in light of the current crisis in mobile thefts. With organized crime often benefiting from these companies’ inaction, it’s high time for both giants to step up and prioritize consumer safety over profits.
