In order to bring down the number of smartphone thefts, Jerry Brown, Governor of California, signed a bill according to which phones sold in the state must have a "kill switch" that can make the device inoperable remotely.

It was reported that this is the first law of its kind law in U.S. From January 2015, every smartphone should have this feature enabled under the default setting.

If the consumer wants, he may go in and turn it off.

State Sen. Mark Leno of San Francisco says that California has put those who steal smartphones on notice and the efforts will help in curbing this crime.

Around 1.6 million Americans in 2012 and 3.1 per cent in 2013 had their smartphones stolen, according to a Consumer Reports survey.