More states to allow 'kill switch' for phones

US lawmakers in at least eight states are trying to mandate a "kill switch" for smartphones in an attempt to reduce thefts and robberies, local media reported on Monday.

Lawmakers in Connecticut, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Virginia are working on bills to authorize software that can remotely disable stolen or lost devices, making them worthless to thieves.

California and Minnesota were the first two US states to adopt rules requiring smartphone manufacturers to make the "kill switch" function available in every device.