Google has launched new anti-theft features for Android users in Brazil, increasing smartphone security with AI. The innovations aim to combat rising mobile phone theft in the country, with additional fraud protection programs and enhanced search features.
Google has unveiled advanced anti-theft features for Android users, significantly enhancing smartphone security with artificial intelligence. These features detect suspicious movements and automatically lock the device when theft-related behavior is identified. Users can remotely lock their screens by entering a code from another trusted device. A failsafe mechanism also locks the screen if the device loses internet connectivity for an extended period.
These innovations debuted in Brazil, addressing the country’s rising mobile phone theft, which increased by 16.6% in 2022. The Brazilian government has also launched an app, Celular Seguro, enabling users to report stolen phones and block unauthorized access, with over 2 million registrations and 50,000 successfully locked phones.
Google is also testing an enhanced fraud protection program, expanding on trials in Singapore and Thailand. Play Protect, another feature, identifies and blocks potentially malicious apps to protect users from financial fraud and unauthorized access.
Additionally, Google is introducing a new Search feature in Brazil, allowing users to multitask through the search bar, such as engaging with businesses via SMS or scheduling appointments. Royal Hansen, Google’s Vice President of Privacy, Safety, and Security, underscores the company’s commitment to AI-driven security, citing its success in thwarting 99.9% of email threats in Gmail.
Further security features for Android devices include biometric authentication, geofencing, remote data wipe, and two-factor authentication, providing comprehensive protection against theft and unauthorized access.
For more information, visit the official Android page.
