Ban on stolen cell phones to be launched in Brazil; paying off

Google announced on Tuesday (11) that Brazil will be the first country to test a new Android function that prevents stolen mobile phones with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The feature, which was initially introduced at Google I/O, will be released in July in beta. The tool identifies when a cell phone is stolen and automatically locks the screen, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive files and applications. The news was shared during the annual Google for Brasil event held in São Paulo. Below, check out more details.

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On the security front, the company also announced during the event that Android mobile phones in Brazil will be included in the new Google Play Protect beta program. The security tool, which checks for vulnerabilities and threats in applications, will block the installation of applications downloaded from alternative sources that require access to sensitive data.

The new theft detection lock can be enabled by mobile phone users running Android version 10 or higher in Brazil. Access to other countries will be gradually launched later this year. In addition, Google is also introducing new features to block your cell phone remotely with Find My Device, and has enabled a new type of offline device blocking, offline.

Find My Device app actually allows the user to block or erase all data from the lost cell phone remotely. However, the company realized that many people did not remember their Google account password to access the resource after they were without their device. Now, through a dedicated page for the new Remote Lock function (android.com/lock), Android will allow the user to lock the device’s screen simply by entering the phone number and completing a quick security challenge from any device. This measure is intended to give the user more time to retrieve his account information and access more resource functions, such as locating the device or deleting all of its contents.

Offline Device Lock will automatically lock your Android phone’s screen if it is left without an internet connection for an extended period of time. This is a way to get around the fact that it is common for cell phone thieves to disconnect the device from the Internet once the crime is committed.

Google has also launched a dedicated website (goo.gle/android-seguro) that includes a form for anyone who wants to be notified via email when new security features are available for their devices.

More protection against suspicious applications

Google also announced the expansion of a phishing protection pilot program on Android mobile phones, with an “enhanced” version of Google Play Protect, a tool that scans the device for security threats and vulnerabilities. The new version goes further and prevents apps downloaded via browsers, messaging apps or file managers from being installed on devices. The tool also creates a barrier against apps with access permissions considered sensitive, such as Read SMS, Notifications, and Accessibility (RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accessibility), which are often unjustifiably exploited by scammers.

*The journalist traveled at the invitation of Google.

See also: Google Gemini: See the prototype of the artificial intelligence that knows and remembers everything