DOJ: No law needed for 'kill switch' in cellphones

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice on Tuesday urged telecommunications companies to install "kill switch" technologies in mobile phones of subscribers to prevent theft.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said implementation of the "kill switch" no longer requires new legislation.

She said it is the companies' responsibility to prevent crime and make sure appropriate technology is being utilized to contribute to peace and order as well as to the security of phone users.

The "kill switch" serves as an emergency stop or safety mechanism to shut off devices and erase its memory from a distance in cases when they are lost or stolen.

Cellular phones may no longer be used once the kill switch is used as all existing data are deleted.

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