- UK government investigates rising misuse
of radiofrequency jammers to commit crime,
from hacking video doorbells to enable
burglaries to bringing airports to a halt
- Devices, disguised as everyday tech like digital watches, are
being used by criminals to commit theft and disrupt public
services people rely on daily.
- Possessing a jamming device could be made
illegal as part of crackdown, subject to public and industry
views in new call for evidence launched today
A crackdown of radio frequency jammers, which are
designed or modified to block or interfere with
wireless communications, is on the cards under government action
outlined today.
From blocking GPS
signals in vehicles to aid theft, to compromising positions
during military operations, misuse of these gadgets happens at
all levels of criminal activity, posing a real and growing risk
to people and critical national infrastructure.
Criminals often disguise radiofrequency jammers as everyday
objects to break into homes by disabling security systems, such
as video doorbells, or break into vehicles bypassing
security systems and quickly emptying vans of tools. These
devices are also used in shoplifting to block wireless security
tags, preventing alarms and making theft easier.
Additionally, jammers can interfere with mobile coverage
and emergency radio networks – hindering how
emergency services respond to incidents.
Just one week of disruption to the UK's vital
positioning, navigation and timing infrastructure,
caused by these devices, could cost the UK economy up to
£7.62 billion – threatening jobs, businesses and
ways of life.
In response, the government is seeking
views from the public and key industry stakeholders across
the country, including mobile network operators, law enforcement
agencies and specialists from the transport and infrastructure
sectors, on the current regulations and enforcement for the
jammers.
UK Telecoms Minister, , said:
We are stepping up efforts to stop the illegal use of jamming
devices which are threatening not only our daily lives, but also
our vital public services across the country.
This is an opportunity for the public and industry experts to
have their say on how we safeguard our homes, businesses,
transport networks and more from those seeking to
exploit these technologies.
By gathering a broad range of informed opinions, we can make sure
any future measures we introduce are rooted in evidence and
address the real issues people area facing.
The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 bans the use and possession of
non-compliant equipment, but proving a person used a
jammer to cause interference can be difficult
to evidence. The Crime and Policing
Bill will make it illegal to possess or share
electronic devices used to steal cars and could lead up to 5
years in prison.
The insights from this call for evidence could inform
legislation on the possession of all other types of jamming.
It will clarify the legitimate uses of radiofrequency
jammers, like in secure environments such as in prisons to
prevent inmates from using contraband mobile phones or military
exercises in combat, and how current regulations could be
improved.
Feedback from this call for evidence will inform any future
legislation so that any new measures are based on evidence and
proportionate, while effectively protecting critical national
infrastructure from illegal threats.
Notes to editors
