Pune, 19th August 2024: Google is set to introduce a new security feature in Android 15 called Theft Detection Lock, designed to safeguard user data in the event of a phone being stolen. This feature, which works in conjunction with Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI), will automatically lock the device as soon as it is snatched from the user, preventing unauthorized access to personal and financial information. The Theft Detection Lock aims to address the growing concern of data theft following phone snatching incidents and will be available to Android users by the end of this year.

The Theft Detection Lock, as explained by Google, uses AI to detect when a phone has been forcibly taken. The moment the phone is snatched, the AI senses the unauthorized action and immediately locks the device without any delay. This instant lock ensures that even if the phone is in use at the time of theft, the thief will not be able to misuse the data right away. This gives the phone’s owner valuable time to take necessary steps to recover their device or secure their accounts.

This feature is particularly crucial as smartphones have become indispensable, containing sensitive personal and financial data. The ability of the Theft Detection Lock to prevent immediate access to this data could potentially save users from significant financial loss or identity theft.

Google has confirmed that the Theft Detection Lock will be available with the release of Android 15. This is the first time such a feature will be accessible to Android users, marking a significant step forward in mobile security. The company expects the feature to be rolled out to all compatible Android devices by the end of 2024.