The iPhone 12 model debuted in 2020 and is currently being phased out (File)
Apple Inc has asked its technical support staff not to provide information about the controversy over iPhone 12 radiation levels in France, Bloomberg reported. France has asked Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12, claiming the model emits electromagnetic radiation higher than European Union standards. When customers ask about this, employees have been asked to say they have nothing to share, the report said.
They must also decline any return or exchange request if they were purchased more than two weeks ago, which is Apple’s normal return policy, the report said. They must say their products undergo rigorous safety testing if customers want to know if their phones are safe, it added.
France’s digital minister said radiation levels from iPhone 12 were found to be higher than the EU standard, but still significantly lower than what is considered dangerous. He said a software update would be enough to resolve the problem and expected a response from Apple within two weeks.
Apple has denied the claims and said it would work with the French government to prove the device complies.
Concerns in the European Union
Following France, Belgium has also raised concerns about the health risks associated with the iPhone 12. The country’s junior digital minister said he would ask the telecoms regulator to analyze the potential threats associated with the handset.
Meanwhile, Germany’s telecoms regulator said it would investigate radiation concerns and that the French procedure would serve as a leading role for Europe for the time being.
The Dutch are also investigating the French report and will ask the company for an explanation, an official said.
The iPhone 12 model debuted in 2020 and is currently being phased out with the introduction of the iPhone 15 this week.
