Criminals banned from new technology promise Home Office

Criminals will be barred from using new mobile phone technology allowing phones to be used like debit, credit and pre-pay cards.

The new technology is being trialled by phone companies and banks in the UK.

It allows customers to buy things by swiping them over sensors in a similar way to Oyster cards used on London’s transport system.

The mobile phone and banking industry have agreed to a set of guidelines to ensure customers are not put at an increased risk of crime or fraud and they will be encouraged to join the 22 million people registered on the National Mobile Phone Register.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: “These guidelines are an important step forward in protecting the public from criminals. I am pleased that the mobile and banking industries have worked with us to ensure that the public are protected at the earliest opportunity.

“By working closely with industry we have already put in place measures to make it harder for thieves to profit from mobile phone theft – around 90 per cent of handsets reported stolen are now blocked within 24 hours of reporting reducing their value and the incentive for criminals.

“This technology is an exciting new development but we must continue to work together to reduce any new opportunities for criminals to profit from mobile theft. As new technologies like this develop we aim to consider where safeguards can be incorporated at the drawing board stage.”