RIO DE JANEIRO: Google on Tuesday announced new features which will use artificial intelligence to protect users’ data in case an Android smartphone is stolen, according to German Press Agency (dpa).

dpa quoted Fabio Coelho, Google’s Brazil country director, as saying that Brazil, where about two mobile phones are stolen every minute, will be the first country where the new system will be tested.

“Brazilian user feedback inspired these anti-theft features, and the country will be the first to test them out,” Coelho said.

From July, Brazilian users owning compatible Android devices will be able to access a beta version of Google’s new theft detection lock, offline device lock and remote lock.

The theft detection lock uses AI to detect movement commonly associated with theft and lock the phone’s screen quickly once it does, with the aim to prevent thieves from easily accessing data on the device.

The remote lock will allow users to access ‘Find My Device’ without needing to remember their Google account pa
ssword, which enables them to remotely wipe and lock their device.

The offline device lock meanwhile automatically locks the device’s screen to help protect data even when it’s off the network. The phone’s screen will also be locked in case of multiple failed authentication attempts.

Google also launched an enhanced fraud protection pilot, previously piloted in Singapore and Thailand, in the South American country.

Also available in Brazil from July, the expanded Google Play Protect’s security features aim to keep users safe when they install apps from sources such as web browsers and messaging apps.

Source: Emirates News Agency