NOW YOUR PHONE CAN BE BLOCKED REMOTELY

Technology has its advantages and can make life so much easier but, unfortunately, it also has its disadvantages. Especially when you’re in the wrong.

A South African tech company has invented a way to block a phone remotely, without the user’s consent. Well, it will probably be included in the fine print of a contract somewhere.

Business Insider reports that the small local tech start-up says its homegrown solution has the ability to change the credit risk usually born by companies selling devices. And, by drastically reducing theft and non-compliance, also increase the prevalence of high-end smart devices in Africa.

Reports indicate that, much like Multichoice can deactivate your DStv decoder, if you fail to pay your subscription, cellphone service providers will now also be able to deactivate your phone if you don’t pay or you’re non-compliant.

At this stage it can only be applied to Android phones, but Thinkadam’s CEO, Hildeke Schreuders, says if there is a demand, the service and technology will be developed for Apple users as well.

"In our industry, everyone is looking for a competitively-priced remote device management system – a lock-unlock smartphone or device tech solution – that is easy to implement, seamless to manage and linked to a billing system," Schreuders told Business Insider.

Companies can also use the technology to lock apps on phones if necessary.

Image credit: Tweak Library