Users of Samsung’s Galaxy S5 smartphones purchased from Verizon Wireless and US Cellular will get default anti-theft features including the Find My Mobile and Reactivation Lock, as part of the Secure Our Smartphone (S.O.S.) Initiative.
The move has been praised by San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who said in a joint statement that the decision by Samsung, Verizon and US Cellular to provide the services for free encourages the smartphone industry makes effective theft deterrents available on every smartphone sold in America.
"While we are concerned that consumers will need to opt in to the system, thereby limiting the ubiquity and effectiveness of the solution, the fact that Samsung and these carriers have agreed to work together to make Find My Mobile and Reactivation Lock available sends a strong message that all participants in this industry can indeed work together to make their customers safer," the statement read.
"More work needs to be done to ensure that these solutions come standard on every device, but these companies have done the right thing by responding to our call for action.
"Manufacturers and carriers need to put public safety before corporate profits and stop this violent epidemic, which has put millions of smartphone users at risk."
Launched in 2013, the SOS Initiative is aimed at pushing the industry to discover an effective means to fight against increasing violent robberies involving smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S5 is set to cost anywhere betweeen £500-600 upon its arrival later this month.
