Representative Lorna Velasco has proposed a measure requiring telecommunications providers to pre-install a “kill-switch” application in mobile phones as a means to protect the privacy and security of their subscribers.

Velasco, who represents the partylist group AMA,  said the “kill switch” will allow postpaid mobile phone subscribers to remotely disable and erase all data in  their cellular phones when stolen. The “kill switch” not only prevents breaches in privacy, but will also discourage cell phone theft.

AMA is a partylist ally of the National Unity Party (NUP) under the Coalition for Peace and Development.

“In this present age of constant change and intensive use of ever-evolving technology, it is incumbent upon us to enact laws that respond timely and appropriately to new safety and security challenges," said Velasco in filing House Bill 4511.



Under the measure also known as the Kill-Switch Phone Security Act, telecom providers are required to equip the mobile phones they sell with a kill-switch application.

Telecom providers, however, can only remotely disable and erase all data in mobile phones  only upon the request of the registered subscriber and after proper verification, Velasco noted.

"Undeniably, the use of mobile phones permeates the daily lives of a large portion of our country's population. The large number of cell phones, unfortunately, gives rise to high incidents of crime involving theft and robbery thereof. These criminal acts not only endanger the physical safety of victims but also compromise the security of the personal and private information stored in the stolen devices' memories," Velasco said.

The lady legislator said she is seeking  the immediate passage of the measure  to  effectively weaken, if not completely eliminate, the black market for stolen phones and subsequently reduce crimes related to cell phone theft.


Velasco pointed out, though, that "the kill-switch software shall in no case be utilized for other purposes other than the prevention of the unauthorized use of a third party, as stated under the bill.”