Ask AI
H.R. 4065

Smartphone Theft Prevention Act

Smartphone Theft Prevention Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require commercial mobile service providers to make available on mobile devices a function that an account holder may use remotely to: (1) delete or render inaccessible all information relating to the account holder that has been placed on the device; (2) render the device inoperable on the global networks of such service providers, even if the device is turned off or has the data storage medium removed; (3) prevent the device from being reactivated or reprogrammed without a passcode or similar authorization after the device has been rendered inoperable or has been subject to an unauthorized factory reset; and (4) reverse any such actions if the device is recovered by the account holder.

Prohibits a mobile device from being manufactured in the United States or imported into the United States for sale or resale to the public, unless the device is configured in such a manner that a service provider may make such remote deletion and inoperability functions available on the device.

Allows the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to waive such requirements with respect to any low-cost mobile device that: (1) is intended primarily for voice-only mobile service, and (2) may have limited data consumption functions focused on text messaging or short message service.

Prohibits service providers from charging a fee for making such remote deletion and inoperability functions available.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Rep. Serrano, Jose E. [D-NY-15](D-NY)Sponsor
17 cosponsors17 D
17cosponsors1committees4actions1related bills7subjects
  • Introduced in HouseFeb 14, 2014
  1. Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

  2. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  3. IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  4. IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Smartphone Theft Prevention Act — Informed