Should the bank control your phone?

Disconnecting service if a monthly phone bill hasn’t been paid isn’t a new concept, but imagine a world where your phone stops working altogether upon failure to pay the bill. Google has just introduced an app that does just this.

XDA developers have discovered an app on the Play Store called "Device Lock Controller" that allows authorized companies to remotely lock your smartphone if you fail to make payments. Google quietly published the app on the Play Store in June this year, but it was only recently spotted by XDA developers.

The “Device Lock Controller” uses the DeviceAdminService API to remotely control the functions of the device. This allows lenders to limit the functionality of Android devices owned by borrowers. The lender can preinstall this application on a smartphone when it’s purchased on monthly installments. Then, in the case of a skipped payment, the lender may turn off all phone functions (except emergency calling, incoming calls & settings) until the phone bill is paid.

The app description on Google Play store reads:

“ Device Lock Controller enables device management for credit providers. Your provider can remotely restrict access to your device if you don’t make payments. If your device is restricted, basic functionality, such as emergency calling and access to settings, will still be available.”

Google published the app to the US Play Store but confirmed to XDA developers that the US listing was just a mistake. The app was launched in collaboration with Kenyan carrier Safaricom for an Android Go financing plan. At this point, there are no public plans to expand the app.

Conclusion:

While the app could be used to make sure finance creditors receive payment from borrowers, there is no word from Google on how they would monitor the way lenders use the app. Are any precautions being taken to protect the interests of the consumer? Often, consumers may need the full functionality of their phones to make money that will cover the bill. 

This could quite possibly be a part of the future for devices on monthly installments. But, the idea will have to expand out of Kenya first. For now, we wait to see if this will become a solution that both creditors and consumers welcome.

Vinay Singhania

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