Samsung SA Announces The Disabling Of All Its Looted TV Sets

Samsung SA Announces The Disabling Of 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.

With Samsung’s commitment to re-opening businesses and minimising the loss of jobs, due to the recent unrest that took place, were people were looting products and vandalising the buildings of various businesses, Samsung saw it fit to activate the TV Block function on all Samsung television sets that were looted from its Cato Ridge distribution centre in KZN since the 11th of July 2021.

According to Samsung the 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.

“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 in a statement.

This is how the Samsung Television Block works: A TV blocking system has been activated on Samsung television sets stolen from the company’s 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. Samsung also assured people that 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 the company via its communications channels.

By Thomas Chiothamisi