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<a href="https://about.google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google</a>&nbsp;has unveiled new advanced protection features to protect Android users in Africa from theft. The new Theft Detection Lock analyzes various device signals to detect potential theft attempts. In these instances, the feature will lock the device screen to prevent thieves from accessing the owners’ sensitive data. 
In addition to the Theft Detection Lock feature, Google is introducing&nbsp;Offline Device Lock&nbsp;to protect users if the thief tries to take their devices offline to extract data or avoid a remote wipe via Android’s&nbsp;Find My Device. 
If an unlocked device goes offline for prolonged periods, this feature locks the screen to ensure that the phone can’t be used. 
Similarly, the tech giant is introducing the&nbsp;Remote Lock&nbsp;feature to help users quickly secure their devices if lost or stolen. This feature will lock the device while the owner tries to regain access through Android’s Find My Device, which lets smartphone users secure, locate or remotely wipe their device. 
With it, even if they can’t remember their Google account credentials in the moment of theft, they can use any device to visit Android.com/lock to lock their devices with just a verified phone number. 
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According to Google, these features&nbsp;are being rolled out gradually to ensure compatibility with various devices, starting today with Android devices that cover 90% of active users worldwide. They are available on most Android 10+ devices via a Google Play Services update. However, users must enable them in settings. 
<h4 id="addressing-the-challenge-of-smartphone-theft" class="wp-block-heading">Addressing the challenge of smartphone theft</h4> 
Phone theft can be a traumatic experience. Thembi Alfreds was driving home from a soccer match in Johannesburg when she stopped at a traffic light. A thief suddenly appeared and smashed the window of her car, grabbing her phone. She struggled with the thief but they managed to get away with the phone. The incident left her feeling violated and unsafe. 
Not only did she lose personal memories, like photos of her children, but her personal and financial information stored on the phone was now compromised. Phone theft is a serious concern in many countries across Africa, including South Africa, where Thembi’s situation highlights the need for better phone theft solutions. 
Smartphone usage is on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa, with adoption rates reaching 61% in Kenya, 31% in Uganda, and 24-25% in Rwanda and Burundi. This increased uptake has been accompanied by a rise in cellphone theft, as these devices become attractive targets for criminals due to their resale value and sensitive data within. 
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According to the GSMA Consumer Survey 2023, 19% of mobile phone users in South Africa experienced theft or loss of their devices in the past year. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/public-policy/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Safety-privacy-and-security-across-the-mobile-ecosystem.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a>&nbsp;indicates that millions of devices are stolen every year, and the numbers continue to grow 
With phones becoming increasingly more expensive and central to storing sensitive data, like payment information and personal details, losing one can be an unsettling experience. This poses a significant challenge that can have serious consequences for both individuals and businesses in the region. 
<h4 id="other-advanced-updates-by-google" class="wp-block-heading">Other advanced updates by Google</h4> 
Google has also announced that the latest Android 15 update has other security features to deter theft before it happens by making it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings, and apps, or reset devices for resale, 
These include: 
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 <li>Changes to sensitive settings like Find My Device now require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication.</li> 
 <li>Multiple failed login attempts, which could be a sign that a thief is trying to guess your password, will lock down your device, preventing unauthorized access.</li> 
 <li>Enhanced factory reset protection makes it even harder for thieves to reset your device without your Google account credentials, significantly reducing its resale value and protecting your data.</li> 
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The tech giant also plans to introduce an Identity Check opt-in feature that will add an extra layer of protection by requiring biometric authentication when accessing critical Google accounts and device settings from an untrusted location. 
This helps prevent unauthorized access even when the device PIN is compromised. 
Read also: <a href="https://technext24.com/2024/11/14/google-launches-ai-app-gemini-globally/">Google launches AI app “gemini-live” for iOS users globally</a>

Phone theft: Google introduces AI features to protect Android users in Africa

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