NOTICE TO MEMBERS Petition No 1503/2024 by Halim El Maalem (French) on introducing a physical button on smartphones to disable microphones and cameras

European Parliament 2024-2029 Committee on Petitions 12.5.2025 NOTICE TO MEMBERS Subject: Petition No 1503/2024 by Halim El Maalem (French) on introducing a physical button on smartphones to disable microphones and cameras 1. Summary of petition The petitioner explains that, although tech giants claim they do not collect audio data without the users’ consent, he is of the view that software and algorithms have become so complex and opaque that users cannot verify what is actually being recorded or transmitted. He considers that there is no real guarantees protecting users from unwanted eavesdropping or misuse of devices. He therefore suggests that a physical button be created that allow the disabling of microphones, cameras, and other input devices of smartphones. The petitioner also suggests that such a feature should become a mandatory European standard for smartphones sold within the EU, like the USB-C mandate for chargers. 2. Admissibility Declared admissible on 17 March 2025. Information requested from Commission under Rule 233(5). 3. Commission reply, received on 12 May 2025 The petitioner asks for the introduction of a mandatory physical button on smartphones to disable microphones and cameras for privacy reasons. The underlying issue, however, is in EN United in diversity EN essence already addressed by legal instruments governing the protection of citizens’ personal data, namely the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)1 and the ePrivacy...