Belgium Reviews IPhone 12 Usage After France's Ban

The Belgian government announced on Thursday 14 September that it would review the potential health risks associated with Apple's iPhone 12. The move raises the possibility that more countries in Europe may ban this model after France halted sales of the iPhone 12 for violating the radiation exposure limit.

Apple denies France's findings, claiming that the iPhone 12, which is now a relatively long-standing model launched in 2020, has been certified by various international agencies as meeting radiation standards.

Researchers have conducted a number of studies over the past two decades to assess the health risks of using cell phones. According to the World Health Organization, no negative health impact has been set due to the use of mobile phones.

However, Paris' move to stop selling the iPhone 12 until Apple fixes radiation issues detected in the two trials has raised the possibility of further bans in Europe, although other countries like Italy say they will not take any steps at this time.

"My obligation is to ensure that all citizens... are safe," said Mathieu Michel, Belgian state secretary for digitization, in a statement sent to Reuters.

Michel added that he had immediately contacted the regulator, IBPT-BIPT, to request an analysis of the potential hazards of the product. He also stated that he had asked regulators to review all Apple smartphones, as well as other manufacturer-made devices, at the next stage.

Germany will also examine radiation concerns regarding Apple's iPhone 12 for the country's market if France's investigation shows strong evidence, network regulators said on Thursday, adding that the French procedure has guiding functions for the rest of Europe.

France's Nationale des Frequences (ANFR) agency notified Apple on Tuesday, September 12 to stop selling the iPhone 12 in France after tests showing that the phone's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - a measure of radiofrequency energy levels absorbed by the body from certain devices - is higher than legally permitted.

"The Federal Network Agency is in close contact with the authorities responsible in France," the regulator told Reuters.