Brown Signs Cellphone Kill Switch Law

Sacramento, CA — Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill mandating that new cell phones be equipped with anti-theft technology.

The bill requires that all smartphones sold in California have the ability to be deactivated, if stolen. It would not apply to devices like tablets or laptops. The law is the first of its kind in the nation.

Wireless trade association CTIA came out against the proposed law, arguing that it will stifle innovation, and that consumers should decide if they want anti-theft technology, not the state.