List of cell phones withdrawn or updated for deception and endangering users (updated 6 June 2025)

List of cell phones withdrawn or updated for deception and endangering users
By : Phonegate Team • 6 Jun 2025

There are now 59 mobile phone models identified as dangerous to users’ health that have either been withdrawn from the French market or had their Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) updated via software. The latest additions are: the CrossCall Core S5, the Nokia 110, the Ulefone Note 16 Pro and the Oukitel WP28, the DORO 1800 PLUS, the DOOGEE N50, the DOOGEE S100 PRO, the OSCAL C80, the SPC Discovery, the Motorola MOTO G53, the Nokia G22, the HOTWAV Cyber 7, the LOGICOM Flow, the EMPORIA smart 4 The DOOGEE S88, the EMPORIA simplicity V27, Apple’s iPhone 12, the Motorola Edge, the Essentiel Clap 20+, the Xiaomi Poco X3, and the LOGICOM Le Swipe.
Beware of the CrossCall Core S5 smartphone

Phonegate Alert reveals a new exceedance observed by ANFR of the specific absorption rate (SAR) limit (4.33 W/kg instead of 4 W/kg) on the CrossCall Core S5, a smartphone mainly intended for professionals (police officers, firefighters). Despite a mandatory corrective software update, the Agency has still not published the non-compliance report in its DATA database, despite our repeated requests.

Read our full press release dated June 6, 2025

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/list-of-mobile-phones-with-non-compliant-sars-removed-or-updated-in-france-2/

Beware of the CrossCall Core S5 smartphone

Beware of the CrossCall Core S5 smartphone
By : Phonegate Team • 6 June 2025

Phonegate Alert reveals a new exceedance detected by ANFR of the limit of the specific absorption rate (SAR) (4.33 W/kg instead of 4 W/kg) on the CrossCall Core S5, a smartphone mainly intended for professionals (police officers, firefighters). Despite a requirement to release a corrective software update, the Agency has still not published the non-compliance report in its DATA database, despite our repeated requests.

The Core S5 is already the 59th dangerous mobile phone to be flagged for non-compliance since we began reporting in 2018.

CrossCall targets professionals

French manufacturer CrossCall, which specializes in rugged smartphones for security, defense, healthcare, and construction, launched this new model, the Core S5, at the end of 2024. However, at the time of publication, there is no information on its website regarding SAR exceedances or updates.

Exposure to electromagnetic waves: a widely underestimated public health issue

The SAR measures the energy absorbed by the body when using a device. This latest incident highlights the urgent need to reduce user exposure, especially for professionals who are required to use such equipment on a daily basis for several hours at a time (security forces, healthcare workers, etc.). The health risks associated with electromagnetic waves, which are increasingly well documented, require strict compliance with standards by manufacturers and authorities.

CrossCall: A misleading response from the manufacturer

In response to this finding, CrossCall, at the request of ANFR, carried out a software update aimed at reducing the transmission power of its terminals, bringing the “limb” SAR down to 1.45 W/kg. However, this correction does not erase the seriousness of the initial exceedance, nor the issue of protecting users who have not performed the update. And as our real SAR calculator shows, the Core S5 has head and trunk SARs that exceed 7W/kg. Once again, we are faced with a clear regulatory failure!

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/beware-of-the-crosscall-core-s5-smartphone/

Reader's comment on the Schlatter Motion published by the Tribune de Genève

Reader's comment on the Schlatter Motion published by the Tribune de Genève

tdg.ch, 6 June 2025

Health of the Population

The association Doctors for the Environment recently cited a scientific study that compiled numerous animal experiments. In rats, the level of certainty was deemed high that exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by wireless devices increases the risk of two types of cancer: gliomas and schwannomas.

The Confederation says the situation is under control. No, it is not. On May 7, 2025, the National Council rejected a motion (130 votes to 62, with 8 absent or not voting) calling for the establishment of market surveillance to monitor compliance with legal cell phone radiation limits and protect users' health. Although the Confederation earned 1.4 billion Swiss francs from the sale of 4G and 5G frequencies to operators Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt between 2012 and 2024, Federal Councilor Baume-Schneider recommended rejecting this motion, considering the implementation of such surveillance to be demanding in terms of financial and human resources.

Meanwhile, more and more users are being exposed to potentially harmful RF radiation emitted by cell phones, and rates of serious cancers such as glioblastoma are increasing among young people.

Increase in brain tumors among young people – yet Switzerland is not monitoring the mobile communications market for financial reasons

Increase in brain tumors among young people

A study shows that the number of brain tumors among young people in France has risen significantly in recent years. Experts suspect that the increasing levels of mobile phone radiation are the cause.

by Andreas Gossweiler, gesundheitstipp.ch/, 13 May 2025, Updated 26 May 2025

(posted by Verein Schutz vor Strahlung on its Facebook page, 29 May  2025 - DeepL translation)

(Photo): Young people on their cell phones: Mobile phone radiation is a risk factor for cancer (Image: iStock)

Since the year 2000, the number of malignant brain tumors in young people between the ages of 15 and 39 has more than doubled in France. This is shown by a recent study by the French health authority. While other types of cancer, such as leukemia and breast cancer, have remained constant, the increase in brain tumors is striking. The researchers explicitly cite non-ionizing radiation—i.e., mobile phone radiation—as a possible risk factor. For many experts, it is clear that the increasing use of cell phones and constant exposure to radio sources such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth could have a significant impact on health.

European Commission: A process locked in for the benefit of the telephony industry

European Commission: A process locked in for the benefit of the telephony industry
By : Phonegate Team • 28 May 2025

At midnight on May 27, 2025, the European Commission closed its call for contributions on the activation of rules for reconfigurable radioelectric equipment, which aims to ensure that software updates do not compromise the safety and compliance of devices throughout their lifecycle. This consultation is part of the RED Directive (2014/53/EU), which regulates the marketing of radioelectric equipment in Europe.

A major issue for 450 million Europeans

With the proliferation of software capable of remotely modifying radio parameters (transmit power, frequencies used), a device that is compliant when first placed on the market can become non-compliant, or even dangerous, after a manufacturer’s update. This can lead, for example, to increased exposure to radiofrequency radiation (measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)), or to interference with other essential services.

The aim of the consultation is therefore to propose the activation of different levels of legal provisions (from 0 to 4) to provide a more or less strict framework for these updates, in order to guarantee consumer health and safety.

76% of contributions come from industry stakeholders vs. 24% from civil society

Of the 34 contributions received, the vast majority come from industry stakeholders, who are in favor of the status quo (option 0) or simple self-regulation (option 1), citing economic arguments and the need to preserve innovation.

On the other hand, consumer associations, national authorities and NGOs, including Phonegate Alert, are calling for tighter regulation (options 2 to 4) to prevent the abuses observed, notably the practice of bypassing SAR tests via embedded software.

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/european-commission-a-process-locked-in-for-benefit-telephony-industry/

Switzerland: Monitoring of cell phone radiation: “We'd rather suppress the risks than measure them”

“We'd rather suppress the risks than measure them”

by Pascal Sigg, infosperber.ch, 17 May 2025 - Deepl translation

No money for health: the National Council does not want to monitor device radiation. The Federal Council was also against it.

Time and again, cell phones that exceed the radiation limits come onto the market in this country. This only becomes known because - in addition to the manufacturers - a French authority monitors the devices (Infosperber reported).

(Photo): Called in vain for control of smartphones: National Councillor Marionna Schlatter. Parliamentary services

Switzerland has been resisting effective control of the devices for years (Infosperber reported). And it will continue to do nothing. This became clear last week after the National Council clearly rejected a proposal by Marionna Schlatter. The Green politician called for independent market surveillance of devices in Switzerland.

Phonegate: Schlatter motion rejected in Switzerland

Phonegate: Schlatter motion rejected in Switzerland
By : Phonegate Team • 10 May 2025

On May 7, 2025, the Swiss National Council rejected the motion by the Deputy Marionna Schlatter calling for genuine market surveillance to monitor compliance with legal radiation limits for cell phones and protect users’ health. This decision comes at a time when the Deputy has publicly denounced the Phonegate scandal, specifically citing our NGO’s revelations on the total lack of control of actual smartphone emissions in Switzerland.

Details of the vote in the National Council

In the National Council vote on Marionna Schlatter’s motion, 62 Deputies voted in favor of the text, while 130 voted against and 8 were absent or did not vote. This decision, which is difficult to justify in view of the lack of existing controls, seems above all to protect industrial interests to the detriment of public health.

23.4244 Speech by Marionna Schlatter, National Councillor, Swiss Parliament: Cell phone radiation exceeds the permitted values. Check compliance with the NIR limit values ​​in Switzerland as well.

THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN REVISED ON 8 MAY 2025.

23.4244  Speech by Marionna Schlatter, National Councillor, Swiss Parliament 

7 May 2025 - DeepL translation **

Cell phone radiation exceeds the permitted values. Finally, check compliance with the NIR limit values ​​in Switzerland as well.

Schlatter Marionna (G, ZH): This motion calls for what has long been taken for granted in many European countries: independent market surveillance to ensure compliance with the NIR limits for cell phones. Switzerland must no longer remain exempt in this area. 

My motion demands nothing other than that the protection of the population is finally implemented consistently in the area of non-ionizing radiation (NIR) emitted by cell phones. Because reality shows:
Cell phones emit more radiation than permitted. The Phonegate scandal in France has made it clear that the SAR measurement of cell phones was systematically manipulated. Even a global corporation like Apple had to withdraw its iPhone 12 from the market. It is naive to believe that such problems do not also affect devices that are sold in Switzerland.

Without monitoring, however, only the principle of hope remains, and that is not enough in terms of health protection by any stretch of the imagination.

Dangerous smartphones: ANFR called upon to inform Europe

Dangerous smartphones: ANFR called upon to inform Europe
By : Phonegate Team • 6 May 2025

Through its lawyer, attorney Lisa Arazi, the Phonegate Alert association has officially lodged a complaint with the general directorate of the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR), denouncing its serious failure to declare non-compliant cell phones and connected objects in the European ICSMS database, which is essential for protecting consumer health throughout the European Union.

A clear European obligation, reiterated by the European Commission

The European Commission recently recalled that the responsibility for informing about non-compliant phones and withdrawing them from the EU market lies with the Member States and their supervisory authorities, such as ANFR.

Any measures taken by Member States concerning non-compliant products must be published in the ICSMS and, if the non-compliance presents a serious risk, in Safety Gate/RAPEX, which also enables consumers to be aware of the risks”, reminded European Commissioner Thierry Breton (2023).
Serious breaches of its European obligations by ANFR that expose consumers in the European Union

Since 2018, thanks to information obtained following our actions vis-à-vis ANFR, Phonegate Alert has identified 58 cell phone models and two connected objects with significant SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) exceedances, revealing major regulatory non-compliances following controls carried out by ANFR.

Consult the complete list on our website.

France: The health of cell phone users cast aside

The health of cell phone users cast aside
By : Phonegate Team • 2 May 2025

Despite repeated warnings from ANSES, SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measurement standards remain inadequate, endangering the health of millions of French and European cell phone users. The response on April 29, 2025 from Yannick Neuder, Minister for Health and Access to Care, to a question from MP Mathieu Lefèvre (Renaissance, Val-de-Marne) confirms the authorities’ inaction in the face of Phonegate.

Unsuitable and dangerous European standards

Following the alarming ANSES report of 2019, known as the “Phonegate” report, which can be consulted here, and France’s formal objection to the European Commission in 2020, one conclusion is clear: no cell phone marketed in Europe really protects its users. Tests are always carried out 5 mm from the body, as the Minister acknowledged in his official reply:

“ANFR is involved in the European process of revising standards for measuring the SAR of radioelectric equipment. The process of revising the trunk SAR standard is still underway. In 2025, the trunk SAR will thus be measured at a maximum distance of 5 millimeters from the body.”

Yannick Neuder, Minister for Health and Access to Care

However, this 5 mm distance pushes up the SAR well beyond regulatory levels when the phone is used against the body, as is the case in everyday life. ANFR tests and our “real” SAR calculator have shown that some models can exceed 7 W/kg on contact, more than three times the authorized European limit of 2 W/kg.

A carefully ignored health hazard

‘High Certainty’ Cellphone Radiation Linked to Cancer in Animals, WHO Study Finds

‘High Certainty’ Cellphone Radiation Linked to Cancer in Animals, WHO Study Finds

Experts say it’s time for the World Health Organization to classify wireless radiation as a “known human carcinogen,” after a review commissioned by the organization concluded there is “high certainty” evidence that cellphone radiation exposure causes two types of cancer in animals.

by Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., childrenshealthdefense.org, April 28, 2025

A systematic review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded there is “high certainty” evidence that cellphone radiation exposure causes two types of cancer in animals.

The WHO-backed review, published online April 25 in Environmental International, determined radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by cellphones and other wireless devices were linked to an increased risk of malignant gliomas in the brain and malignant schwannomas, or nerve tumors, in the heart in studies on animals. The review noted that both tumor types had previously been found in studies on humans.

The WHO’s review also concluded there is “moderate certainty” evidence that cellphone radiation exposure causes an increased risk of rare liver and adrenal gland tumors.

Continue reading:
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/high-certainty-cellphone-radiation-cancer-animals-who-study/

Radiofrequencies and cancer: this WHO monograph reshuffles the deck

Radiofrequencies and cancer: this WHO monograph reshuffles the deck
By : Phonegate Team • 29 Apr 2025

For over twenty years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been publishing monographs assessing the risk between radiofrequencies and cancer. This new monograph, the tenth of eleven planned, marks a notable break: whereas previous monographs concluded that the risk was limited or uncertain, this one points to more robust animal evidence and highlights worrying signals for public health.

In 2011, the IARC classified radiofrequencies as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), on the basis of an increased risk of glioma in intensive users of cell phones. Since then, most monographs have downplayed the risks, despite the massive increase in worldwide exposure and the proliferation of scientific studies.

Enhanced animal evidence on several tumor types

Monograph 2025 is based on 52 animal studies, including 20 long-term bioassays, and concludes that there is a high level of evidence (“high certainty”) for an increase in certain cancers in male rats exposed to radiofrequencies:

• Cerebral gliomas: significant increase in male rats exposed to high SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) levels (up to 6 W/kg).
• Cardiac schwannomas: increased risk in male rats, with dose-response effects observed in two independent long-term studies.
• Hepatoblastomas and lung tumors: significant increase in male mice exposed to CDMA (3G)-modulated radiofrequencies.

Consult the full monograph: Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on cancer in laboratory animal studies, a systematic review (Mevissen et al., 2025, Environment International)

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/radiofrequencies-cancer-who-monograph-reshuffles-the-deck/

The Phonegate Scandal and the Rising Health Risks from Mobile Phones

The Phonegate Scandal and the Rising Health Risks from Mobile Phones

rfsafe.com, 15 April 2025

Imagine waking up one day to discover that an everyday device you trusted—something you carry everywhere, something your children play with—might be quietly threatening your life. This unsettling realization is at the heart of the Phonegate scandal, a global controversy revealing the hidden dangers of mobile phones and their potentially severe impacts on human health. In a recent compelling interview, Dr. Marc Arazi, physician and president of the Alerte Phonegate Association, shed light on how deeply ingrained this issue is in our society, highlighting alarming data and calling for urgent reforms.

Phonegate: Dr.  Marc Arazi warns of mobile phone-related brain cancers and electromagnetic waves - interview with Nexus in French - 14 April 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hBTqf_nezQ

In this blog post, we dive deep into the conversation with Dr. Arazi, providing context, analysis, and critical information that every user of mobile technology should understand.

The Alarming Rise of Glioblastoma

France: Banning smartphones from secondary schools: a public health measure

Banning smartphones from secondary schools: a public health measure
By : Phonegate Team • 14 Apr 2025

During the Senate’s topical questions to the government on April 9, 2025, concerning the ban on smartphones in secondary schools, French Education Minister Élisabeth Borne confirmed the extension to all secondary schools of the “digital break” from September 2025. This announcement follows a question from Senator François Bonhomme (LR), concerned about the “harmful use” of cell phones among young people.

This initiative builds on Law n°2018-698 of August 3, 2018, which already banned the use of mobile phones in kindergartens, elementary schools and secondary schools during school hours, while allowing students to keep them on their person. The move to a total ban (deposit in secure lockers) marks a further step towards this “digital break” deemed necessary for the well-being of young people.

Educational and social benefits of banning smartphones in secondary school

The experiment conducted in 190 secondary schools since September 2024 is showing convincing results. Feedback points to an improved school climate (less tension, greater social interaction) and better student concentration.

“The longer you keep your smartphone within reach, the lower your attention span and learning performance. There’s no longer any doubt about it“, stresses Prof. Klaus Zierer.

Exposure to electromagnetic radiation: a neglected health imperative

Scientific data reveal underestimated dangers requiring a more ambitious political response and enhanced government action:

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/banning-smartphones-from-secondary-schools-a-public-health-measure/

Ellen Marks joins the Phonegate Alert board

Ellen Marks joins the Phonegate Alert board
By : Phonegate Team • 10 Apr 2025

At the 2024 General Assembly held on April 5, 2025, members voted to appoint Ellen Marks to the Phonegate Alert Board. Our NGO is delighted to welcome her to the team.

Please find below a presentation of her background:
Ellen Marks- United States

Ellie Marks resides in California and is originally from Chicago, Illinois. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. Prior to her involvement in the wireless radiation/health issue she was a Realtor in the San Francisco Bay Area for decades. Marks founded the California Brain Tumor Association in 2009. In 2008 her seemingly healthy husband underwent a craniotomy to remove a large brain tumor. Worldwide experts attribute her husband’s brain tumor to his cell phone use. The tumor came back in 2021 and Alan had another craniotomy.

Since going public with this information Marks has met many others who have suffered the same fate. Yet the telecom industry continues to war game excellent science and influence legislators, media and the general public. When you hear cell phones do not cause cancer just think tobacco.

Dr. Rob Brown joins the Phonegate Alert Board

Dr. Rob Brown joins the Phonegate Alert Board
By : Phonegate Team • 10 Apr 2025

At the 2024 General Assembly held on April 5, 2025, members voted to appoint Dr. Rob Brown to the Phonegate Alert Board. There, he will represent the US organization Environmental Health Trust, which co-founded Phonegate Alert in 2018. Our NGO is delighted to welcome him to the team.

Rob replaces Theodora Scarato, to whom we offer our warmest thanks for her commitment.

Please find below a presentation of Dr. Rob Brown background:

Dr. Brown is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist working for Radiology Partners in Phoenix, Arizona, and for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Hamot campus. Following graduation from Brown University, Dr. Brown received a formal medical education from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed a diagnostic radiology residency at Pittsburgh’s Western Pennsylvania Hospital and fellowship at the University of California in San Diego in musculoskeletal radiology.

Klaus Scheidsteger joins the Phonegate Alert Board

Klaus Scheidsteger joins the Phonegate Alert Board
By : Phonegate Team • 10 Apr 2025

At the 2024 General Assembly held on April 5, 2025, members voted to appoint German journalist and producer Klaus Scheidsteger to the Phonegate Alert Board. Our NGO is delighted to welcome him to the team.

Please find below a presentation of his background:

Klaus Scheidsteger- Germany

Investigative journalist, author and producer specializing in feature films and documentaries, Klaus has been working internationally with his own production company since the mid-1980s.

In 2006, his first detailed documentary on mobile communications was produced, commissioned by French public television channel France 2: “Portables en Accusation”. The 50-minute film offers an insight into the legal battle waged by brain tumor victims against the U.S. cell phone industry.

Ten years later, the first feature documentary was released under the title “Thank You For Calling”, and in 2018, the book of the same name on the subject was published.

Three committed personalities join the Phonegate Alert Board

Three committed personalities join the Phonegate Alert Board

by : Phonegate Team • 10 Apr 2025

Following its Annual General Assembly on April 5, 2025, Phonegate Alert announces the addition of three new Board members, reinforcing its scientific, media and associative expertise in the fight against health risks linked to cell phone radiation.

“I am convinced of the need to inform and protect consumers”.

Klaus Scheidsteger - Germany

A German journalist and producer renowned for his documentaries on the dangers of electromagnetic radiation (“Thank You for Calling”, “Ondes de Choc”), he will bring his media expertise and long-standing commitment to raising public awareness.

“Since the broadcast of my documentary ”Portables en accusation” on France 2 in 2006, my journalistic work has brought me into contact with leading scientists. I’ve become convinced of the need to inform and protect consumers. It is in this spirit that I wish to support Phonegate Alert in its actions in Germany and Europe.”.

A study shows non-thermal effects below regulatory limits

A study shows non-thermal effects below regulatory limits
By : Phonegate Team • 8 Apr 2025

A study published in Bioengineering (March 2025) by an international team involving researchers from the Sorbonne University and CNRS (France), Naresuan University (Thailand), Xavier University (USA) and the University of Surrey (UK) reveals changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human cells exposed to 1.8 GHz (3G) radiofrequencies, at levels up to 100,000 times lower than current regulatory limits. This scientific work provides new experimental evidence of non-thermal effects, challenging the regulatory paradigm based exclusively on tissue heating (thermal effects) recommended by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection).

Key points of this study on non-thermal effects

• Rigorous methodology: Shielded exposure system with thermal control (±0.1°C) and in situ dosimetry, eliminating artifacts from previous studies.
• Biphasic effects: Modulation of genes (KIAA, GPX1, SOD2) following a U-shaped curve, with peaks at infinitesimal powers (0.66 µW/m²).
• Identified mechanism: ROS-induced oxidative stress, implicated in neurodegenerative and cancer pathologies.

The authors conclude their findings as follows:

“We believe that this method can help provide a guideline for greater reliability and reproducibility of research results between laboratories, and thus help resolve the current controversy over the underlying mechanisms and outcomes of radiofrequency exposure in the general population.”

Consequences for public health

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/a-study-shows-non-thermal-effects-below-regulatory-limits/

20 Minutes corrects on the sly its article on glioblastoma

Phonegate Alert, 3 April 2025 -"20 Miniutes" France: demanding reliable information -

20 Minutes [France] corrects on the sly its article on glioblastoma
By : Phonegate Team • 2 Apr 2025

Thanks to Phonegate Alert’s intervention, an initial correction was made to the 20 Minutes article on glioblastomas. We would like to thank the Quebec journalist André Fauteux, who did not hesitate to question the press departments of Santé Publique France (SPF) and the Institut National du Cancer (INCa). However, several major problems remain in the writing of the article, requiring immediate action to re-establish the scientific truth.

INCa’s “imprecise” response

“The only inaccuracy we note in the article concerns the sentence below: “However, the disease remains ‘fairly rare’ in the general population, i.e. 20% of the nearly 5,900 cancers of the central nervous system diagnosed per year according to INCa, and even more so in young people.” This should read “However, the disease remains ‘fairly rare’ in the general population of adolescents and young adults, accounting for 20% of the nearly 5,900 central nervous system cancers diagnosed per year according to INCa”.”

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/20-minutes-corrects-on-the-sly-its-article-on-glioblastoma/