D PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 14-685 Released: May 20, 2014 FCC ANNOUNCES WORKSHOP TO FOCUS ON PREVENTION OF MOBILE DEVICE THEFT By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announces the date and location of a workshop to explore the complex issues surrounding mobile device theft. Some observers believe the thefts of personal electronic devices are reaching epidemic proportions.1 Police in major metropolitan areas across the United States report year-on-year increases ranging from six to as much as 23 percent, building on an already high base where an estimated 3.1 million devices were stolen in 2013, nearly double the 2012 amount.2 The problem is not restricted to the United States.3 The increase in personal electronic device theft is even more troubling when coupled with violent attacks on individuals to steal the devices. In addition to physical injuries, many consumers store confidential personal and financial data on their devices, and suffer additional problems, such as identity theft, that are not easily untangled when their devices are stolen. Finally, and of critical importance, insuring and replacing stolen smart phones, tablets, cell phones and other personal electronic devices costs Americans an estimated $2.5 billion annually.4 These are facts the Commission cannot ignore. The Commission’s workshop will include three panel discussions centered around: · Developing practical consumer-oriented technical solutions to deter device theft; · Making more standardized and accessible data available for mobile device crime reporting for law enforcement and other uses; and · Establishing best practices to facilitate greater coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement, including greater involvement of customs enforcement officials. 1 http://www.nbcnews.com/#/tech/security/new-efforts-curb-nationwide-cellphone-theft-epidemic-f6C9783938. 2 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/15/smartphone-thefts-2013_n_4598399.html. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/04/smart-phone-thefts-rose-to-3-1-million-last-year/index.htm. 3 http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/category/pickpockets-france/tip/cell-phone-theft-in-paris. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/10/stolen-smartphones_n_4384211.html. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk- england-london-21018569. 4 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/30/smartphone-kill-switch_n_5056187.html. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/04/smart-phone-thefts-rose-to-3-1-million-last-year/index.htm. A subsequent Public Notice will provide further details about the participants and specific issues to be discussed during this workshop and additional steps the Commission plans to take in reducing mobile device theft. The FCC will attempt to accommodate as many attendees as possible; however, admittance will be limited to seating availability. The Commission will provide audio and/or video coverage of the meeting over the Internet from the FCC’s Web page at http://www.fcc.gov/live. Open captioning will be provided for this event. Other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (tty). Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodation needed. In addition, please include a way the FCC can contact you if it needs more information. Please allow at least five days’ advance notice; last-minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. For additional information about the meeting, please contact Roger Goldblatt, Associate Bureau Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-1035 or roger.goldblatt@fcc.gov. - FCC - Date: Time: Location: June 19, 2014 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. FCC Headquarters Commission Meeting Room 45 12th Street, SW Washington, D.C.