iPhone 12 emits radiation exceeding the threshold, Ministry of Information and Communications works with Apple

Apple has just introduced its latest generation of iPhones - the iPhone 15 series, described as "the biggest update in 3 years". However, the iPhone 15 is not the only iPhone model attracting attention. In a completely unexpected way, the iPhone 12 - one of Apple's favorite iPhone models - suddenly appeared in the top search results. The reason is that the iPhone 12 is being asked to stop selling in France because the product is said to have radiation levels exceeding the permissible threshold, which can affect human health.

The EU's maximum permissible radiation limit for smartphones is 4W/kg, while the maximum radiation recommended by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is only 1.6W/kg. However, the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) said that the iPhone 12 emits radiation levels of up to 5.74W/kg.

Jean-Noel Barrot, France's digital minister, told Le Parisien that the iPhone 12 had radiation levels that exceeded the threshold. The ANFR has told Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12 in France after tests on the phone.

Specifically, researchers found that the human body's radiation absorption rate (SAR) index when using the iPhone 12 is higher than the legal limit.

“Apple needs to respond within 2 weeks, otherwise I am ready to request a recall of all iPhone 12 devices in circulation,” said Mr. Barrot.

According to Mr. Barrot, Apple could update the software to resolve the problem and then continue to sell the iPhone 12 in France.

After receiving information that Apple had to update the software for iPhone 12 products to address radiation safety issues as required by ANFR, the competent authorities of the Ministry of Information and Communications , including the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Telecommunications, and the Department of Radio Frequency, worked with Apple on this issue.

According to information from Apple's representative in Vietnam, the company's iPhone 12 product launched in 2020 has been tested by many international organizations and is certified to comply with global radiation standards. When ANFR tested and evaluated 141 phone models (including iPhone 12) in circulation to compare with SAR requirements, the results announced by ANFR on September 12, 2023 showed that iPhone 12 emitted more electromagnetic waves than allowed.

However, an Apple representative in Vietnam commented: “This is an issue related to ANFR's SAR testing method. Apple is currently continuing to work with ANFR. The company has also provided ANFR with measurement results from Apple and a third-party independent testing laboratory to demonstrate its compliance with the iPhone 12 product."

Regulatory agencies in countries such as Germany, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia are currently monitoring and updating the French frequency regulatory agency's conclusion on this issue. The competent agencies of the Ministry of Information and Communications, according to their functions and duties, will also continue to monitor and update the incident to provide timely advice on the safe management of SAR electromagnetic field exposure for terminal devices.

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