Google Leans on AI to Curb Phone Thefts in Brazil

Google has announced that Brazil will be the first country to test an anti-theft feature for Android phones that uses AI. This feature will help identify when a phone has been stolen and lock the device's screen.

As reported, there will be three types of locks in the initial test phase. In one of them, Google will leverage AI that it created to help detect signals of "common movement associated with theft" and block the screen.

With the second feature, users will be able to lock their device’s screen remotely by entering the phone number and completing a security challenge from a trusted device. Additionally, the third mode locks the screen automatically if the phone is left without an internet connection for an extended period of time.

Starting July this year, the features will be available to Brazilian users of Android 10 or higher versions, says Google. The AI feature will be released for users from other countries gradually, according to the company.