Weeks after the massive looting in South Africa, following riots that greeted the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma, Samsung Electronics has commenced blocking all its looted TV sets.
Samsung South Africa has announced the implementation of a Television Block Function on all Samsung TV sets. The blocking system is intended to be implemented in respect of televisions that have been obtained by users through unlawful means and in some cases, stolen from the Samsung warehouses, the South Korean company said.
TV Block is a remote, security solution that detects if Samsung TV units have been unduly activated, and ensures that the television sets can only be used by the rightful owners with a valid proof of purchase.
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The aim of the technology is to mitigate against the creation of secondary markets linked to the sale of illegal goods, both in South Africa and beyond its borders. This technology is already pre-loaded on all Samsung TV products.
“In keeping with our values to leverage the power of technology to resolve societal challenges, we will continuously develop and expand strategic products in our consumer electronics division with defence-grade security, purpose-built, with innovative and intuitive business tools designed for a new world. This technology can have a positive impact at this time, and will also be of use to both the industry and customers in the future, “said Mike Van Lier, Director of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa.
The company said it is committed to re-opening businesses and minimizing the loss of jobs, in line with the plea to #RebuildSouthAfrica. To achieve this aim, Samsung has activated TV Block on all Samsung television sets looted from our Cato Ridge distribution centre in KZN since the 11th of July 2021. Samsung Television Block works as follows:
A TV blocking system has been activated on Samsung television sets stolen from our warehouse
The blocking will come into effect when the user of a stolen television connects to the internet, in order to operate the television
Once connected, the serial number of the television is identified on the Samsung server and the blocking system is implemented, disabling all the television functions
Should a customer’s TV be incorrectly blocked, the functionality can be reinstated once proof of purchase and a valid TV license is shared to [email protected] or click here for more information
“As an organization we acknowledge the critical role in giving our customers and client the peace of mind. Working together, we can overcome the impact of the unprecedented disruption to business, as experienced by many of us recently. We will continue to review the situation and will make adjustments as necessary to ensure business continuity for all, “concludes Van Lier.
The approach has been applauded as a smart way to dissuade rioters from vandalizing electronics shops in the future. It is expected that other electronics companies that were affected by the riot follow the steps of Samsung.
It’s getting interesting, smartphones, laptops, tablets, household electronics, even cars; we are getting to a stage where stealing any of these things would be useless, because you cannot use them!
But I am more interested in seeing this technology extended to one crazy tool: guns! How do we manufacture guns that only shoot from the rightful owner? Critical weapons simply should refuse to function, once they get into the hands of the bad guys. This could be the greatest invention for humanity…
Great comment and deep line of thought. How about the other bad guys, I mean hackers, they will always be around and come up with ways to break whatever security that stops a tool from functioning. We have guys today that formats iPhone one of the most secured phone and all information of the rightful owner are wiped off.
It’s great to see Samsung taking a proactive stance in response to the unfortunate events in South Africa. This move not only protects their brand but also sends a strong message against theft. Hopefully, it encourages other companies to do the same and helps in restoring some sense of security and responsibility in the community.
It’s great to see Samsung taking a proactive approach to combat theft and support the South African community. Blocking stolen TVs could deter criminals and provide some peace of mind for consumers. I hope other companies follow suit!