Image from Apple's patent.

9-to-5 Mac reports that Apple just received approval for a patent on a technology that would disable locally a phone’s video and camera capabilities. A small sensor sends infrared signals containing encoded data that could disable a smartphone or tablet’s camera or microphone functions. An image in the patent paperwork shows how this technology could be used to prevent unwanted recording during concerts. But police in countries all over the world could also use it to block recordings of their actions, and there are many other applications for the technology. "An infrared emitter can be located in areas where picture or video capture is prohibited, and the emitter can generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes commands to disable the recording functions of devices. An electronic device can then receive the infrared signals, decode the data, and temporarily disable the device’s recording function based on the command," reads the patent. The FCC is no fan of jamming devices, and Apple has not revealed how, or if, it will employ the technology.