Google has started testing Android 15’s automatic theft detection features, starting from Brazil. Smartphone theft is one of the biggest concerns in several countries including Brazil where around two phones get stolen per minute. That’s why Google has chosen Brazil as its initial ground for testing the automatic theft detection features it announced at the I/O conference last month.
The new feature comes under the umbrella of larger privacy and security improvements Google is planning with Android 15. Besides, there are some other features too like a password-locked vault which Google likes to call “private space.”
The name itself suggests how it works, users can use it to keep their sensitive data safe and secure. However, the theft detection feature for Android that has started testing in Brazil as a part of Android 15 is something different.
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How Does The Feature Tackle Smartphone Theft
The anti-theft detection feature has its Google-version name, the company likes to call it “Theft Detection Lock.” Many people must be wondering how this security feature works and how it tackles smartphone thefts. Firstly, the automatic theft detection feature leverages Google’s AI.
Using artificial intelligence, the new anti-theft feature detects if someone has stolen a user’s phone from their hand. And, if the feature determines the movement associated with theft, it will instantly lock the phone’s display.
People must be thinking about how the automatic theft detection feature is capable of detecting all movements. Well, thanks to sensors on Android smartphones like a gyroscope and accelerometer. Based on the changes in the smartphone’s positioning and motions, Google’s algorithm can predict that the device has been stolen.
That said, there could be another possibility. In addition to depending upon smartphone sensors, the feature is capable of detecting theft attempts if someone tries to use the device in a different network altogether. Lastly, the new anti-theft feature is currently available for beta testing in Brazil.
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Google Leak Exposes Several Privacy And Security Loopholes
A leaked copy of Google’s internal database has exposed six years' worth of security and privacy concerns that were reported internally by the employees. The report reportedly comprises thousands of incidents that include Google services like YouTube, Street View, and more.
According to 404 Media, who claims to have obtained a copy of an internal Google database that accounts for six years of issues. These concerns deal with Google’s several products, data-collecting practices, third-party issues, and mistakes made by the staff.
It’s imperative to note that the incidents occurred between six to nine years ago. When reporting an incident, the staff are required to provide an initial severity and priority to the incident — P0 being the highest and P1 being below that — before the investigation takes place. As a result, some of the incidents that were reported didn’t match the ratings. These incidents were also said to be reviewed and resolved at the time.
