The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, signed an ordinance on Thursday (19/12) updating the Safe Cell Phone program, a tool designed to instantly block stolen devices. The new features will be implemented within 90 days to ensure they are operational before Carnival in March.
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New Visual Identity
The application will receive a new visual identity, and an option called Recovery Mode, aimed at tracking stolen devices. The ministry is working with the states to develop a protocol for creating a database with the IMEI (digital registration) of stolen cell phones.
Alerts
Each time one of these cell phones is activated with a new chip or line, an alert will be triggered. The Civil Police will send a message to the registered number via WhatsApp, summoning the person to a police station. If the person cannot provide a receipt for the device, they will be required to hand it over to the authorities.
Operation
On Thursday (19/12), police forces in the 11 states participating in the Safe Cell Phone project conducted a pilot operation that recovered approximately 2,600 cell phones. This initiative is based on a program launched in Piauí, which integrates police forces with the Judiciary and telephone operators. In April, Lewandowski directed that the measure be incorporated into the Safe Cell Phone program, and a working group was established to expand the project nationwide. According to Piauí Governor Rafael Fonteles (PT), over 8,000 cell phones have already been recovered in the state.
Safe Cell Phone
The Safe Cell Phone program allows users to register their devices through a website or an application available for Android and iOS (iPhone) systems. In cases of theft, robbery, or loss, victims can access their accounts in the program to block the device and financial applications. During registration, users can also designate “trusted contacts,” who can trigger an alert if the account holder is unable to do so.
Analysis:
The enhancement of the Celular Seguro program represents a significant step forward in the fight against crimes related to theft and robbery of cell phones in Brazil. The measure signed by the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, demonstrates an effort to integrate technology, public security, and cooperation between different levels of government and private sectors, such as telephone operators. The inclusion of new features, such as Recovery Mode and the IMEI tracking protocol, reinforces the importance of creating more robust barriers against the illegal use of stolen devices, while also providing greater protection to users.
In summary, the Celular Seguro program represents an integrated and promising strategy to mitigate the impact of cell phone-related crimes in Brazil. However, its long-term effectiveness will depend on careful implementation, popular support, and ongoing dialogue between authorities and society to continually improve its features.
