U.S. smartphone makers and wireless carriers have reportedly agreed to introduce tools that will allow users to lock their devices and "wipe them clean" of data if stolen, according to Reuters.
In July 2015, all smartphones manufactured by the involved companies will come with free anti0theft tools to help keep consumer's data safe.
Companies signing the voluntary agreement include: Samsung, Apple, Google, and HTC America.
Wireless carries include: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.
"This flexibility provides consumers with access to the best features and apps that fit their unique needs while protecting their smartphones and the valuable information they contain," said Steve Largent, chief executive of the CTIA, according to Reuters.
Tools will be either be available for download or already preloaded on devices, according to wireless association CTIA, which announced the agreement this week.
The voluntary agreement was welcomed by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and San Francisco District Attorney, George Gascon, but said it doesn't come close to what they have previously advocated to prevent theft.
Basically the prosecutors want all carriers and manufacturers to provide the tools as a default in their devices, instead of asking users to download them.
"While CTIA's decision to respond to our call for action by announcing a new voluntary commitment to make theft-deterrent features available on smartphones is a welcome step forward, it falls short of what is needed to effectively end the epidemic of smartphone theft," the prosecutors said in a joint statement released after the announcement, according to Reuters.
Over 1.6 million U.S. citizens were victimized for their smartphones in 2012, according to Schnierman's office.
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