Buzzkill AG Reminds Everyone New Apple Toys Put a 'Target on Your Back'
The New York attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, interrupted everyone's Apple "watch party" to point out that thieves will want to steal the new toys.
.Not to kill everyone's cider buzz or anything, but New York's state attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, wants to remind everyone that launches of new Apple products have also been followed by spikes in violent crime.
While most of the plugged-in universe was watching Tim Cook announce the debuts of the iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus and the Apple Watch, Schneiderman unleashed a serious of tweets that, in typical political fashion, served both as a warning to consumers and a promotion for the crime-fighting work of his office.
The #iPhone6 & #iPhone6Plus are the latest examples of the incredible innovations coming out of the smartphone industry. #AppleLive
— Eric Schneiderman (@AGSchneiderman) September 9, 2014 In previous years, the release of new products like the #iPhone6 and #iPhone6Plus has resulted in a spike in violent crime. #AppleLive
— Eric Schneiderman (@AGSchneiderman) September 9, 2014 Thanks to the work of our #SOSInitiative, the #smartphone industry has taken significant steps toward ensuring customers' safety. #AppleLive
— Eric Schneiderman (@AGSchneiderman) September 9, 2014 No consumer should have a target on their back simply because of the phone they carry in their hand. #SOSInitiative #AppleLive
— Eric Schneiderman (@AGSchneiderman) September 9, 2014 With #tech on our side, no more families should lose loved ones because a criminal decided to steal their phone. #AppleLive #SOSInitiative
— Eric Schneiderman (@AGSchneiderman) September 9, 2014The #SOSInitiative refers to an effort called "Secure Our Smartphones" that Schneiderman launched with his counterpart in San Francisco to raise awareness of "Apple Picking" (and thefts of non-Apple products) and to pressure companies to install "kill switches" on portable electronic devices.
According to Schneiderman's website, 1.6 million Americans were victimized for their smartphones in 2012.
The implementation of a 'kill switch' would render stolen devices inoperable on any network, anywhere in the world. Such a feature would disable the device even if it is turned off or the SIM card has been removed. By eliminating the ability for the phone to be reactivated, the value of these mobile communications devices would be equivalent to that of a paperweight. As a result, the incentive to steal them would be eliminated."
In the meantime, perhaps people should stick to long sleeves when wearing their shiny new Apple Watch.