French Regulator Requests Apple to Withdraw iPhone 12 from Market Over Health Concerns
The Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR), the French regulatory agency, has called for Apple to remove iPhone 12 smartphones from the French market due to worries about radiofrequency energy emissions. ANFR conducted tests on more than 140 mobile devices to evaluate compliance with specific absorption rate (SAR) values. SAR is a measurement of how quickly the human body absorbs radiofrequency (RF) energy from a source, such as a mobile phone.
Regulatory bodies establish SAR limits to minimize health risks for consumers. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set the SAR limit at 1.6 watts/kg, while the EU Council recommends limits of 2.0W/kg for body tissue and 4.0W/kg for more susceptible body parts.
According to ANFR’s findings, the iPhone 12 exceeds the recommended SAR limit for limbs by 43.5%. As a result, the agency has demanded that Apple withdraw all iPhone 12 devices from the French market and ensure compliance with European regulations. Failure to address the SAR level could potentially lead to a forced product recall, where current iPhone 12 owners would need to return their devices for a replacement.
However, it is important to note that the iPhone 12 is now three generations old and is no longer sold directly by Apple. Nevertheless, it can still be purchased through third-party retailers and remains popular due to its lower price and long-term software support from Apple.
ANFR has stated that the SAR measurement for the user’s body falls within the limit set by European regulations. In response to the situation, Apple may be able to lower SAR levels through a software or firmware update that adjusts the phone’s transmission algorithms, thereby reducing radiation emissions.
BleepingComputer has reached out to Apple for a statement regarding the issue, but no response has been provided as of yet. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed about the potential health risks associated with the devices they use and for manufacturers to prioritize compliance with regulatory standards to ensure customer safety.
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