Latest news with #GaryDavis
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Apple and Google Face Accusations of Enabling Thieves Through Device Policies
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Apple and Google have been accused by UK lawmakers and police officials of not doing enough to stem a lucrative international black market in stolen smartphones. During a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday, June 3, Members of Parliament and the Metropolitan Police called on the tech giants to block stolen devices from accessing cloud services, a move they argue would drastically reduce resale value and help deter theft. Police said they have recorded 80,000 stolen phones in London in 2024—a 25% rise from 2023. Most of the thefts involve iPhones, and officials estimate the trade generates up to £50 million ($67,837,542) annually. Many devices are trafficked abroad to markets in Algeria, China and Hong Kong. Stock image of a Google smartphone and the Apple logo. Stock image of a Google smartphone and the Apple logo. Photo by Vadym Plysiuk / Getty Images Why It Matters Police officials argue that stolen smartphones are fueling violence and organized crime in the UK. The police want companies to block stolen phones based on their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and prevent them from accessing Apple and Google cloud services. While UK mobile networks already use IMEI blacklists, these blocks do not apply globally, which leaves a loophole for international criminal networks. What to Know Despite calls dating back to 2023, Apple and Google have not implemented the requested global blocks. Both companies raised concerns during the hearing that those measures could be exploited for fraud. "We worry, and we have had these discussions with the Met, that there is a vector for fraud," Gary Davis, global senior director for privacy and law enforcement at Apple, said during the session, as reported by The Register. Davis added, "Every month, over 1,000 people try to imitate legitimate users to seek data from us and delete accounts." Simon Wingrove, Google's software engineering manager, told MPs that "Android devices can be blocked from accessing the cloud services after they are stolen," but cautioned that changes based on IMEI data would require industry-wide coordination. What People Are Saying Former policing minister Kit Malthouse said it seemed Apple was "dragging your feet and sitting behind this is a very strong commercial incentive". He added, "The fact that £50m of phones are stolen in London every year—if that stopped, that would be £50m in sales that would be depressed." In a statement to Newsweek, Google said, "Google does not profit from phone theft. For years, Android has invested in advanced theft protection features, including the industry's first Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, to help prevent theft and block stolen devices. "We've built and evolved these features by listening to victims and partnering closely with law enforcement and industry." Newsweek reached out to Apple requesting further comment on June 4. What's Next Security firms have suggested that a central cloud-level block tied to the IMEI system could be feasible, provided devices are registered from their first activation. Dion Price, CEO of the locking tech firm Trustonic, told MPs that his company offers that service for clients, according to The Register. "If we get the signal from the legitimate owner of that device, then we can lock or unlock it within 30 seconds anywhere in the world," he said. Meanwhile, police in London have begun deploying high-speed e-bikes to pursue snatchers and reported a 15% drop in thefts during April and May. However, officials warned this reduction is likely due to increased enforcement and public awareness, and is not a permanent fix.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple tells Met to embrace ‘traditional policing' in clash over phone thefts
Apple has told the Metropolitan Police to focus on 'traditional policing' to tackle a surge in mobile phone thefts. Gary Davis, a senior executive at the iPhone-maker, said police were not fully investigating some phone thefts in Britain by seeking information about the stolen devices from Apple. In a hearing before MPs on the science, innovation and technology committee, Mr Davis was asked whether Apple should be doing more to build a technical solution to phone thefts. He replied: 'I would want to make sure that as part of all of that the Met Police continues to do traditional policing, which means sending requests to us for stolen devices and Apple responding to those requests for stolen devices. We are not seeing that.' It came after senior police officials urged tech companies to consider new technical ways of preventing theft. The Met wants mobile phone makers to use a unique number linked to a phone's modem chip – which connects to mobile networks – to identify phones that are reported stolen and block them. Police believe up to three quarters of stolen phones are moved abroad, with 28pc ending up in China or Hong Kong and many in Algeria. The Met recorded more than 80,000 phone thefts in 2024, up by a quarter on 2023 levels. Credit: Met Police Once overseas, these phones become more difficult to track. While UK networks can implement some blocking on the 'IMEI' chip numbers of stolen phones, this is more patchy internationally. Speaking on Tuesday, Darren Scates, the Met's chief digital officer, said one proposal that was being 'considered by Apple and Google' was to 'stop a smart phone serial number being allowed to connect to their services if it is reported as lost or stolen'. The police say this would make the device worthless. Mr Scates added that technology companies had provided methods to 'lock the device' remotely, but some criminals had means of cracking this. Technology chiefs have raised concerns over the risks of allowing more remote locking tools. Mr Davis said the industry was wary about whether such a system could become a 'vector for fraud', with people potentially being able to make false claims that phones have been stolen, leading to devices being automatically blocked. The hearing comes amid growing scrutiny over spiralling crime rates across the UK. The Met has warned that there are growing links between knife crime, child exploitation gangs, drugs and mobile phone theft, with some gangs 'pivoting' from selling illegal drugs to stealing handsets. Speaking to executives from Apple, Google and Samsung, Kit Malthouse, the senior Conservative MP, suggested that technology companies have been 'dragging their feet' on coming up with a technical solution. However, Mr Davis said attention also needed to be focussed on the police response to mobile phone theft, saying: 'We need the requests to come to us. We need to give them the responses. 'They need to use the information we provide to them in order to identify where the phones are being stolen, and I assume therefore target resources. I am not just seeing those resources coming through to us.' Apple said it had introduced a new Stolen Device Protection feature, which requires a Face ID check to access certain phone features, rather than just a code. It has also added technology that can remotely prevent stolen phone parts being stripped and re-used. Google, meanwhile, has added an artificial intelligence feature to its Android software that can detect if a phone has been snatched. In response to Apple's claims, Mr Scates said: 'The Met shares details of devices reported as stolen with the National Mobile Property Register twice a day and this information is available to Apple and Google. They also receive data from phone networks and customers. 'We are focused on tacking phone theft and encourage manufactures to make it harder for organised criminals to profit from this crime by preventing a stolen device from connecting to cloud services.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Apple tells Met to embrace ‘traditional policing' in clash over phone thefts
Apple has told the Metropolitan Police to focus on 'traditional policing' to tackle a surge in mobile phone thefts. Gary Davis, a senior executive at the iPhone-maker, said police were not fully investigating some phone thefts in Britain by seeking information about the stolen devices from Apple. In a hearing before MPs on the science, innovation and technology committee, Mr Davis was asked whether Apple should be doing more to build a technical solution to phone thefts. He replied: 'I would want to make sure that as part of all of that the Met Police continues to do traditional policing, which means sending requests to us for stolen devices and Apple responding to those requests for stolen devices. We are not seeing that.' It came after senior police officials urged tech companies to consider new technical ways of preventing theft. The Met wants mobile phone makers to use a unique number linked to a phone's modem chip – which connects to mobile networks – to identify phones that are reported stolen and block them. Police believe up to three quarters of stolen phones are moved abroad, with 28pc ending up in China or Hong Kong and many in Algeria. The Met recorded more than 80,000 phone thefts in 2024, up by a quarter on 2023 levels. Once overseas, these phones become more difficult to track. While UK networks can implement some blocking on the 'IMEI' chip numbers of stolen phones, this is more patchy internationally. Speaking on Tuesday, Darren Scates, the Met's chief digital officer, said one proposal that was being 'considered by Apple and Google' was to 'stop a smart phone serial number being allowed to connect to their services if it is reported as lost or stolen'. The police say this would make the device worthless. Mr Scates added that technology companies had provided methods to 'lock the device' remotely, but some criminals had means of cracking this. Technology chiefs have raised concerns over the risks of allowing more remote locking tools. Mr Davis said the industry was wary about whether such a system could become a 'vector for fraud', with people potentially being able to make false claims that phones have been stolen, leading to devices being automatically blocked. The hearing comes amid growing scrutiny over spiralling crime rates across the UK. The Met has warned that there are growing links between knife crime, child exploitation gangs, drugs and mobile phone theft, with some gangs 'pivoting' from selling illegal drugs to stealing handsets. Speaking to executives from Apple, Google and Samsung, Kit Malthouse, the senior Conservative MP, suggested that technology companies have been 'dragging their feet' on coming up with a technical solution. However, Mr Davis said attention also needed to be focussed on the police response to mobile phone theft, saying: 'We need the requests to come to us. We need to give them the responses. 'They need to use the information we provide to them in order to identify where the phones are being stolen, and I assume therefore target resources. I am not just seeing those resources coming through to us.' Apple said it had introduced a new Stolen Device Protection feature, which requires a Face ID check to access certain phone features, rather than just a code. It has also added technology that can remotely prevent stolen phone parts being stripped and re-used. Google, meanwhile, has added an artificial intelligence feature to its Android software that can detect if a phone has been snatched.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple tells Met to embrace ‘traditional policing' in clash over phone thefts
Apple has told the Metropolitan Police to focus on 'traditional policing' to tackle a surge in mobile phone thefts. Gary Davis, a senior executive at the iPhone-maker, said police were not fully investigating some phone thefts in Britain by seeking information about the stolen devices from Apple. In a hearing before MPs on the science, innovation and technology committee, Mr Davis was asked whether Apple should be doing more to build a technical solution to phone thefts. He replied: 'I would want to make sure that as part of all of that the Met Police continues to do traditional policing, which means sending requests to us for stolen devices and Apple responding to those requests for stolen devices. We are not seeing that.' It came after senior police officials urged tech companies to consider new technical ways of preventing theft. The Met wants mobile phone makers to use a unique number linked to a phone's modem chip – which connects to mobile networks – to identify phones that are reported stolen and block them. Police believe up to three quarters of stolen phones are moved abroad, with 28pc ending up in China or Hong Kong and many in Algeria. The Met recorded more than 80,000 phone thefts in 2024, up by a quarter on 2023 levels. This embedded content is not available in your region. Credit: Met Police Once overseas, these phones become more difficult to track. While UK networks can implement some blocking on the 'IMEI' chip numbers of stolen phones, this is more patchy internationally. Speaking on Tuesday, Darren Scates, the Met's chief digital officer, said one proposal that was being 'considered by Apple and Google' was to 'stop a smart phone serial number being allowed to connect to their services if it is reported as lost or stolen'. The police say this would make the device worthless. Mr Scates added that technology companies had provided methods to 'lock the device' remotely, but some criminals had means of cracking this. Technology chiefs have raised concerns over the risks of allowing more remote locking tools. Mr Davis said the industry was wary about whether such a system could become a 'vector for fraud', with people potentially being able to make false claims that phones have been stolen, leading to devices being automatically blocked. The hearing comes amid growing scrutiny over spiralling crime rates across the UK. The Met has warned that there are growing links between knife crime, child exploitation gangs, drugs and mobile phone theft, with some gangs 'pivoting' from selling illegal drugs to stealing handsets. Speaking to executives from Apple, Google and Samsung, Kit Malthouse, the senior Conservative MP, suggested that technology companies have been 'dragging their feet' on coming up with a technical solution. However, Mr Davis said attention also needed to be focussed on the police response to mobile phone theft, saying: 'We need the requests to come to us. We need to give them the responses. 'They need to use the information we provide to them in order to identify where the phones are being stolen, and I assume therefore target resources. I am not just seeing those resources coming through to us.' Apple said it had introduced a new Stolen Device Protection feature, which requires a Face ID check to access certain phone features, rather than just a code. It has also added technology that can remotely prevent stolen phone parts being stripped and re-used. Google, meanwhile, has added an artificial intelligence feature to its Android software that can detect if a phone has been snatched. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
The Dairy Alliance Brings Milk's Got Game to the Plate for Biloxi Shuckers' 10th Anniversary
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Biloxi Shuckers' 10th Anniversary Game on June 6, 2025. The game, which also celebrates the return of the fan-favorite Biloxi Beach Chickens theme night, will be held at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi, Mississippi, as the Shuckers take on the Montgomery Biscuits. 'This partnership brings together our Alabama and Mississippi dairy farm families for an exciting night of baseball and a focus on fueling strength, performance, and hydration with real dairy,' said Geri Berdak, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. 'We're excited to be a part of this Shuckers milestone and showcase how our Milk's Got Game initiative helps athletes and fans perform at their best, both on and off the field.' Fans will enjoy an exhibit with free ice cream donated by Prairie Farms, branded giveaways, and the chance to meet local dairy farmers from both Alabama and Mississippi. Fans are also encouraged to arrive early to see a local dairy farmer throw the ceremonial first pitch, kicking off the game with a nod to the hardworking individuals behind every glass of real dairy milk. 'We're honored to support The Dairy Alliance and the Biloxi Shuckers by donating Prairie Farms ice cream for this special night,' said Gary Davis, Chief Marketing Officer at Prairie Farms. 'It's a fun way to celebrate local dairy farmers and help fans enjoy the game with a taste of what real dairy has to offer.' With game attendance consistently topping 4,000 fans, the Biloxi Shuckers are a beloved part of the Gulf Coast community. This partnership aligns perfectly with The Dairy Alliance's commitment to promoting health, wellness, and the nutritional benefits of real dairy, especially its role in supporting active lifestyles. To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @TheDairyAlliance. The Dairy Alliance is a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast. We work diligently with dairy farmers, schools, sports teams, health professionals, local organizations, state leaders, the media, and the public to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry. Our efforts center in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
