Google has announced a new "theft prevention lock" feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to protect sensitive data on Android phones. This tool will be activated if the device detects "a common movement associated with theft," such as when a thief snatches the phone and moves quickly.
The implementation of this technology responds to an increase in cell phone thefts, especially in Brazil, where a 16.6% increase in cases of cell phone theft and robbery was reported in 2023, according to data from Folha de S. Paulo. The states of Bahia and Rio de Janeiro lead these statistics, with an average of 114 devices stolen per hour.
The new feature will be available for devices with the latest Android operating system and is part of a more significant effort to protect financial information and personal data stored on these devices. Google says the lock will require additional credentials, such as passwords or biometric data, before allowing critical changes to device settings.
This move by Google aligns with similar initiatives by other technology companies. In January, Apple released a security update for iPhones, making it more difficult to access sensitive data even if the thief knows the unlock code. This system, known as "Stolen Device Protection", adds additional layers of authentication when the phone is away from known locations, such as home or work. In addition to "theft prevention lock", Google has enhanced security on Android devices to protect against factory reset attempts and disable location tracking. The company will also use its Gemini AI to identify fraudulent call patterns, alerting users to potential scams.
According to the Financial Times, these new measures seek to make stolen phones less valuable to criminals, reducing the incidence of these crimes. Google and other technology companies continue to innovate to protect their users' data in the face of the growing threat of smartphone theft.
