Government considers ban on ownership of signal jamming devices

Posted to News on Saturday, April 18, 2026 Share:

THE GOVERNMENT is considering tougher measures designed to thwart criminals exploiting gadgets designed to hack doorbells and vehicle tracking systems. From blocking GPS signals in vehicles to aid theft through to compromising positions during military operations, the misuse of these gadgets happens at all levels of criminal activity, in turn posing a real and growing risk to people and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

Criminals often disguise radiofrequency jammers as everyday objects in order to break into homes by disabling security systems, such as video doorbells, or otherwise break into vehicles by virtue of bypassing security systems and, for example, quickly empty vans of the tools they harbour.

These devices are also used in acts of shoplifting to block wireless security tags, preventing alarms from actioning and making theft easier. Additionally, jammers can interfere with mobile coverage and emergency radio networks, thereby hindering how the Emergency Services respond to incidents.

Just one week of disruption to the UK’s vital positioning, navigation and timing infrastructure could cost the nation’s economy as much as £7.64 billion, threatening jobs, businesses and ways of life.

In response, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is seeking views on the current regulations and enforcement for radiofrequency jammers from the public and key industry stakeholders across the country (including mobile network operators, law enforcement agencies and specialists from the transport and infrastructure sectors).

Vital public services

UK Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said: “We are stepping up efforts to stop the illegal use of jamming devices, which are threatening not only our daily lives, but also our vital public services across the country.”

Loyd continued: “This is an opportunity for the public and industry experts to have their say on how we safeguard our homes, businesses, transport networks and more from those seeking to exploit these technologies. By gathering a broad range of informed opinions, we can make sure any future measures we introduce are rooted in evidence and address the real issues people are facing.”

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 bans the use and possession of non-compliant equipment, but proving an individual used a jammer to cause interference can be difficult to evidence. The Crime and Policing Bill is making it illegal to possess or share electronic devices used to steal cars. Those individuals convicted of doing so could face a jail term of up to five years.

The insights derived from this Call for Evidence could inform legislation on the possession of all other types of jamming. That legislation will clarify the legitimate uses of radiofrequency jammers (in secure environments such as in prisons in order to prevent inmates from using contraband mobile phones) and outline precisely how current regulations could be improved.

Feedback from this Call for Evidence will inform any future legislation such that any new measures are based on evidence and proportionate, while effectively protecting the nation’s CNI from illegal threats.