Germany and Belgium join a possible stoppage of sales of Apple’s iPhone 12 after the results obtained by the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) that ensure that this smartphone exceeds the emission limit of electromagnetic radiation.
Surely these days you have already heard that the French regulator, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR), has ordered Apple to stop sales of the iPhone 12 due to serious concerns about the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
Specifically, the French agency carried out tests that revealed an absorption of electromagnetic energy of 5.74 watts per kilogram when situations were simulated in which the mobile phone was held in the hand or kept in a pocket. This value exceeds the European standard of 4.0 watts per kilogram in such tests.
It is important to note that regulations and exposure limits for electromagnetic radiation vary from country to country and are based on current scientific risk assessment.
However, It seems that other European countries are taking note of this decision and Germany and Belgium are also considering banning the sale. of this Apple smartphone.
Could all European countries ban the iPhone 12?
The electromagnetic radiation emitted by smartphones is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which indicates how much electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the human body during use of the device. SARs are tested and regulated to make sure they are within limits considered safe.
Mathieu Michel, Belgium’s Secretary of State for Digitalization, said in a statement sent to Reuters: “It is my duty to ensure that all citizens… are safe.” “I quickly contacted the IBPT-BIPT (regulator) to request an analysis on the potential danger of the product,” she adds.
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The number of iPhone 12s sold in Europe is unknown, but Apple reported net sales of $68.64 million in 2020 when the model was launched and an estimated sale total of 100 million units worldwide.
However, the website Apple claims the iPhone 12 has a Sar of 0.98 watts per kilogram when held near the ear and 0.99 watts per kilogram when carried or placed in a pocketfar below what the French claim.
Taking this into account, it seems that for the moment we have to wait for more reliable results. French control bodies have taken these measures after conducting random tests on 141 phones, including the iPhone 12.
If true, it is quite likely that a chain reaction will occur and that regulatory authorities will take action. This could include warnings, fines, or removal of the device from the market in that particular country.
Despite this, a ban in all European countries would be an extremely unlikely scenariosince it would require coordination and joint action by all regulatory authorities of the European Union and member countries.
In addition, it is more likely that technical solutions will be sought to correct any electromagnetic emissions problems before reaching a complete ban.