UK telecom giants roll out 'kill switch' to block stolen phones from working: How it works | TheBriefWire
UK telecom giants roll out 'kill switch' to block stolen phones from working: How it works
Published 21 June 2026 ยท europe
UK mobile giants Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree have activated a new 'kill switch' for new phones stolen from their stores, aiming to cripple the
UK mobile giants Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree have activated a new 'kill switch' for new phones stolen from their stores, aiming to cripple the black market for stolen devices. This move follows resistance from major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to a universal anti-theft lock. The technology renders stolen, unsold handsets unusable remotely, a measure previously seen in the Netherlands.
Published: June 21, 2026 โข 4:03 PM IST ยท Updated: June 22, 2026 โข 12:32 AM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
UK mobile giants Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree have activated a new 'kill switch' for new phones stolen from their stores, aiming to cripple the black market for stolen devices.
This move follows resistance from major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to a universal anti-theft lock.
The technology renders stolen, unsold handsets unusable remotely, a measure previously seen in the Netherlands.