NomadScrolls writes that a number of smartphone manufacturers, including tech giant Samsung, have taken radical steps in the fight against the gray market, which has caused anger among users. These companies disabled phones purchased from gray markets, forcing users to purchase new devices from official retailers. The source said the practice raises questions about consumer rights, the role of government and the level of control manufacturers can have over the devices they produce.

This is the situation faced by owners of “gray” phones in Mexico; They began receiving messages warning that their devices would be disabled for not complying with Mexican laws and calls to purchase certified devices for use in the country. . Similar messages were sent to phones from various manufacturers, but Samsung was the most aggressive in this regard.

The South Korean company not only sent messages but also turned off users’ phones. The user can then turn the device back on, but will not be able to access its data and apps. NomadScrolls writes that if using the phone is truly dangerous, it should be disabled forever.

As an excuse, Samsung stated that local regulations regarding the phone’s battery voltage and charging were not followed, although they are the same for all regions. Additionally, the company stopped including chargers in the delivery kit.

The Mexican government has taken action to protect consumer rights. On October 19, the Federal Agency for the Protection of Consumer Rights (PROFECO) and Mexico’s Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) suspended the activities in the country of manufacturers that disable mobile devices on the grounds that they violate consumer rights. Motorola and Samsung have since issued statements agreeing to work with the Mexican government to find a solution to the problem.