The article discusses the UK's initiative to combat phone theft by creating a universal IMEI blacklist that would render stolen devices useless. While mobile phones have IMEIs similar to vehicle identification numbers to deter theft, the absence of a universal blacklist allows thieves to profit. The complexity of varied lists among carriers means many stolen phones remain operational. By blocking access to services from Apple and Google, the UK hopes to further thwart phone theft by crippling device function, similar to validating VINs at gas stations to prevent fraud.
The UK's authorities want to collaborate with Apple and Google to implement a universal IMEI blacklist for stolen phones, making them virtually useless to thieves.
There is no single universal IMEI blacklist, which is a significant gap that allows stolen phones to retain value and appeal to criminal gangs.
Mobile devices being blocked from accessing Apple and Google services could render them useless, even preventing them from functioning as Wi-Fi devices, crippling their resale value.
The idea of providing legal requirements for blacklisting stolen devices mirrors how gas stations validate vehicle identities before dispensing fuel.
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