Google said it would use artificial intelligence to detect when Android smartphones have been snatched and quickly lock the screen, as technology groups move to protect sensitive data amid reports of rising mobile phone theft.
The Silicon Valley giant announced on Wednesday its new “theft prevention lock”, powered by Google AI, which will be activated if the device detects “a common motion associated with theft” — such as if a thief takes a phone from an owner’s hand and attempts to run, cycle, or drive away with it.
The measure is part of Google’s efforts to reduce incentives for criminals to steal phones in order to profit from the sensitive financial information and personal data stored on mobile devices, as well as the value of the physical handset.