Ayodeji Ayenuwa
In a significant regulatory move, France has taken action against Apple, instructing the tech giant to stop selling its iPhone 12 model within the country. The decision stems from concerns regarding excessive electromagnetic radiation emissions associated with the device.
The French regulatory authority responsible for radio frequencies, known as ANFR, has not only demanded the discontinuance of iPhone 12 sales but has also called on Apple to fix the issue in existing phones.
According to the ANFR, if Apple is unable to resolve the problem, it might have to recall all iPhone 12 devices ever sold in France.
The ANFR’s decision was based on the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12, which measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the body when using the phone. In the case of close contact with the body, such as holding the phone or placing it in a pocket, the SAR limit is set at four watts per kilogram. The iPhone 12’s SAR was found to be 5.74 watts per kilogram, exceeding the acceptable threshold.
France’s digital minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, stated that the decision was made due to radiation levels exceeding the acceptable limits.
Apple has contested ANFR’s findings, asserting that the iPhone 12 complies with global regulations governing radiation levels. Apple has provided comprehensive lab results from both the company itself and third-party sources to support its claims.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously weighed in on this issue, stating that there is no real evidence suggesting that exposure to low-level electromagnetic radiations emitted by mobile phones poses harm to humans.
Nevertheless, France’s bold move to remove the iPhone 12 from its market has the potential to reverberate across the European Union, as the country intends to share its findings with other regulatory bodies.
This development takes place on the same day Apple launched iPhone 15, a new model that introduces an alternative charging port and adapter options.
