Brazil Declared War on Phone Theft — Should the UK Do the Same?
The UK’s battle against mobile phone theft is being hindered by a standoff between law enforcement and major handset manufacturers. Police want to use IMEI blocking to quickly disable stolen devices, but Apple and Google disagree on the approach. The deadlock raises questions about privacy, data access, and the most effective way to render stolen phones useless.  While the UK remains stuck in debate, Brazil’s major players - from telecoms to government agencies - are working together to tackle phone theft head-on. Sao Paulo-based tech company Qintess has developed a multi-layered system: detecting cloned devices through call
pattern analysis, a secure app that lets users remotely lock stolen phones,
and a restricted IMEI list that instantly renders devices unusable. The result is a coordinated, nationwide shield against phone crime.

 

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert Ania Lichtarowicz

 

More on this week's stories:

Safe Cell Phone App

Qintess

Apple and Google clash with Police over mobile phone theft



Production Manager: Liz Tuohy

Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz

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