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Samsung adding anti-theft features to Galaxy S5 handsets in the US

Saqib Shah
April 7, 2014

Samsung is adding two theft safeguards to models of its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5,  sold by wireless carriers Verizon and US Cellular in the USA.

The Korean manufacturer said users will be able to activate its “Find My Mobile” and “Reactivation Lock” anti-theft features to protect the Galaxy S5 free of charge.

“Samsung takes the issue of smartphone theft very seriously, and we are continuing to enhance our security and anti-theft solutions,” the company said in a statement.

The announcement comes as U.S. law enforcement officials and politicians are pressuring cellular carriers to make such technology standard on all phones shipped in the US in response to the increasing number of smartphone thefts.

But carriers have resisted these requests and there are now bills proposed at the US Senate, US House of Representatives and California State Senate that would approve such a system.

‘Kill switch’ advocates San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a joint statement that Samsung’s latest move sends a strong message that the wireless industry can work together to make consumers safe.

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About the Author

Saqib Shah

Tech/gaming journalist for What Mobile magazine and website. Interests include film, digital media and foreign affairs.

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