Google Launches AI-Powered Anti-Theft Feature for Android Phones in Brazil
Updated: Aug 26
Google will test an anti-theft AI feature for Android phones in Brazil. The feature uses AI to detect theft and lock the device's screen. Three types of locks will be available: AI-based detection, remote locking, and automatic locking without internet access.
This feature utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to identify when a phone has been stolen and automatically locks the device's screen.
During the initial test phase, Google will offer three types of locks. The first lock utilises AI technology to detect "common movement associated with theft" and promptly blocks the screen. The second lock allows users to remotely lock their device's screen by entering their phone number and completing a security challenge from another device. Lastly, the third mode automatically locks the screen if the device remains without internet access for an extended period.
Starting in July, these features will be available to Brazilian users of Android phones running version 10 or higher. Google plans to gradually release the feature to users in other countries throughout the year.
Phone theft has become a significant problem in Brazil, with the number of stolen cellphones in the country's largest economy increasing by 16.6% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 1 million thefts, according to data from the 2023 Brazilian Public Security Yearbook.
To address this issue, the Brazilian government launched an app called Celular Seguro in December. This app allows users to report a stolen phone and block access to it using another trusted device. As of last month, approximately 2 million people across the country have registered with the app, and 50,000 phones have been successfully blocked, according to the Justice Ministry.
Google will test an anti-theft AI feature for Android phones in Brazil.
The feature uses AI to detect theft and lock the device's screen.
Three types of locks will be available: AI-based detection, remote locking, and automatic locking without internet access.
Source: REUTERS
