Smartphone Makers Agree on ‘Kill Switch’ to Deter Thefts

Apple Inc. (AAPL), AT&T Inc. (T) and 11 other smartphone makers and wireless companies agreed to offer technology next year that would let customers remotely wipe data from their devices and render them inoperable when stolen. The technology is intended to combat a rise in mobile-phone theft. It will be available at no cost to customers on phones made after July 15, CTIA-The Wireless Association, said yesterday in a statement. The switch also would prevent reactivation without the user’s permission, and restore data and operability if the phone is recovered, the Washington-based trade group said.