Are Your Gadgets Conflict-Free?

Last week, an amendment that will force companies that make smartphones, laptops, and other high-tech amenities to disclose whether or not ‘conflict minerals’ were used to make their products was added to the Financial Reform Bill. Thanks to the addition, companies like Apple and Nokia will have to provide an annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission detailing where the materials originated. The amendment, which was introduced by Senator Sam Brownback passed unanimously.

Two or three years ago, conflict diamonds were a hot button topic that captured the public imagination. Suddenly all eyes were on Sierra Leone as brutal pictures of malnourished miners men, women and children living with terrible wounds including amputated hands surfaced. Most of the injuries were dealt out as punishment for not following the orders of the despotic warlords controlling the mines. The warring factions of the country needed weapons and other supplies to continue waging their bloody war. Using the country’s rich supply of diamonds to finance the fighting was a no-brainer. It was and still continues to be a booming illicit trade. Diamonds are mined and smuggled out of the country for use in high priced jewelry and industrial uses, the fighting continues and innocent people are caught in the crossfire.

As crackdowns on conflict diamonds became uniform and more stringent, other means to keep the cash flowing were needed. Raw materials including tin, gold, and tungsten are being smuggled in place of bling. The results are still the same. Women and children are being raped and brutalized while men are murdered or forced to work in the mines.

According to Gizmodo, Apple CEO Steve Jobs responded to a Wired.com reader that while Apple requires suppliers to submit in writing that materials are not coming from a conflict hot zone,  “[u]ntil someone invents a way to chemically trace minerals from the source mine, it’s a very difficult problem.”

As public outrage increases protests have sprung up outside of Apple stores. According to an op-ed in the New York Times, activists have been peppering Intel, Research in Motion and others in both online and offline campaigns. The Washington D.C. based Enough Project is on the frontlines campaigning against the use of ‘conflict minerals’ used to fund genocide. They currently have a video spoof of the “I’m a Mac” commercial on YouTube and are raising money and awareness with the Raise Hope for Congo album. The CD features various artists. If you sign up for the newsletter, you’ll be rewarded with a free Mos Def mp3.

So ask yourself this question: Is your favorite gadget conflict-free or do you have blood on your hands?

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
See all posts by Sherri L. Smith.