Alphabet’s Google will start testing innovative anti-theft features for Android phones in Brazil, using AI to combat rising phone theft incidents. The features include multiple screen lock options and aim to address the increasing security concerns in the country.
Alphabet’s Google announced on Tuesday that it will begin testing new anti-theft features for Android phones in Brazil. Starting in July, Brazilian users with Android version 10 or higher will be able to access these innovations, designed to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to combat phone theft.
The test will offer three types of screen locks. The first feature employs AI to detect movements commonly associated with thefts and lock the screen. The second allows users to lock the screen remotely by entering their phone number and completing a security challenge from another device. The third automatically locks the screen if the phone is offline for extended periods.
The initiative comes as Brazil faces a rising number of phone thefts, with nearly 1 million incidents reported in 2022, marking a 16.6% increase from the previous year. To further combat this issue, the Brazilian government launched an app named Celular Seguro in December, enabling users to report stolen phones and block them using another trusted device.
Google has stated that the anti-theft features will be made available to users in other countries gradually throughout the year. This follows similar efforts by Apple’s anti-theft system for its iOS devices, launched in January.
