California cell phone kill-switch bill moves forward

By James Poulos | Cal Watchdog

California could soon become the second state in the nation to force so-called “kill switches” into cellphones. The technology causes equipped devices to be disabled remotely, by a figurative flip of the switch. An owner might throw the kill switch if his cell was stolen. Or the government might order phones turned off.

Although the act is simple, and the reasoning behind the bill seemingly commonsensical, nationwide controversy over the proposal has flared in the Golden State. Senate Bill 962 was introduced earlier this year by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco. At first, it was voted down; now, after a frenetic wave of lobbying, it’s back.

at Cal Watchdog.