Technology Samsung can remotely disable TVs stolen from South African warehouse

[tom_mai78101]

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 06 August 2021 – 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. 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. 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.

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

Samsung Supports Retailers Affected By Looting With Innovative Television Block Function

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 06 August 2021 – Samsung South Africa has announced the implementation of a Television Block Function on all Samsung TV sets. The

news.samsung.com

 

[The Helper]

I do like that better

 

[Ghan]

So if you unknowingly bought the television off of someone who stole it, and as soon as you connected it, it disabled itself, what do you do? Just SOL I guess?
Not really a fan of this kind of thing. For one, an internet connection should absolutely not be required to operate the TV. Ever. But secondly, when you buy something, do you really own it or not? If Samsung can just decide to shut off the TV that you legally bought and paid for, is it really ever your property? I feel like this is dangerous territory.