Samsung: Smart TVs stolen in South Africa will be deactivated

In July, there were unsightly scenes in South Africa. Mass demonstrations led to chaotic conditions that manifested themselves in the form of vandalism and widespread looting. TV sets from the major electronics manufacturer Samsung were also affected. The company has now decided to react in a rather untypical way. With the help of a so-called TV block, TVs are to be made unusable without further ado.

Burglary in the warehouse

The perpetrators did not capture the majority of the stolen large electronic devices from traditional retail stores. Instead, they broke into a warehouse of the South Korean company. Samsung primarily recorded a theft of a large number of its popular smart TVs. In order to prevent both the company’s own use and a worthwhile resale of the TV sets, the TV Block is used.

This involves sending a centrally controlled signal that reaches the affected devices via the Internet. Almost every modern TV set with an Internet connection has this function. Of course, the company has not deactivated all TV sets in South Africa across the board. But how did Samsung know which devices to activate? For this, the TV block was sent quite specifically to the TVs that were stolen from the affected warehouse.

Serial number comes into play

In order for Samsung to know exactly which devices were to be rendered unusable by TV Block, the serial number of the affected devices came into play. The company placed this on a specific server. If an affected TV now tries to connect to the Internet, the trap snaps shut. Future use is then not possible. Of course, there is a risk that the wrong TV will be deactivated. If this is the case, affected users should contact Samsung directly. Samsung will then immediately revise the TV block upon presentation of a proof of purchase.