Sales of iPhone 12 suspended in France due to radiation concerns

France has ordered Apple to halt the sale of the iPhone 12 due to concerns over excessive electromagnetic radiation. In addition, the French regulatory body responsible for radio frequencies has instructed Apple to address the issue with existing phones. The agency, known as ANFR, has advised Apple to either resolve the problem through a software update or recall all iPhone 12 models sold in the country. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has previously stated that there is no evidence to suggest that low-level electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones are harmful to humans. The WHO's official website states that exposure to such radiation poses no health risks. The iPhone 12 was initially released in September 2020 and is still being sold worldwide. Apple has responded to the ANFR's review by contesting its findings. The tech giant claims to have provided the regulator with laboratory results from both its own facilities and third-party sources, all of which demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations regarding radiation levels. The decision by France's digital minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, was based on the ANFR's discovery that the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12 exceeded legally allowed levels. Barrot expressed that if Apple fails to respond within two weeks, he is prepared to order a recall of all iPhone 12 devices in circulation. He emphasized that the rule applies to all companies, including digital giants. France intends to share its findings with other regulatory bodies within the European Union, potentially leading to a wider impact. The ANFR conducts SAR checks using two different scenarios of phone usage. The first is a "membre" (limb) check, examining the phone's proximity to the body when held or placed in a pocket. The SAR limit for this test is four watts per kilogram. The regulator found that the iPhone 12's SAR in this scenario exceeded the limit, registering at 5.74 watts per kilogram. The second check considers a slightly greater distance between the phone and the user, such as when the device is stored in a bag or jacket pocket, and the iPhone 12 passed this test. The news coincided with Apple's announcement of the new iPhone 15. The latest model features an alternative charging port and will be accompanied by an adapter for continued compatibility with existing cables. In a separate development, China's foreign ministry refuted claims that government agencies had instructed staff members to stop using iPhones and clarified that there are no laws or regulations prohibiting the use of Apple's products.