Google has introduced new security and privacy features for Android users to protect them against scams and theft. These features provide protection for calls, screen sharing, messages, device access, and system-level permissions.
Phone scammers often ask users to click on unsafe links or download unknown apps. To protect users, Google will now warn them about potential scams when they receive calls from numbers not in their contacts and block certain actions.
For Android 16, these features include blocking the installation of apps from unverified sources like web browsers or messaging apps and preventing scammers from gaining control of the device by granting accessibility permissions. Additionally, Google is restricting users running Android 6 or later from disabling Google Play Protect, which scans the device for harmful apps during calls to ensure security.
Screen sharing protection has also been added, with a reminder for users to stop sharing their screen after a call ends. Google is also testing a new warning screen with select banks in the UK to prevent fraud during screen sharing. When users open a partner bank’s app while sharing the screen with an unknown number, the device will show a warning and provide an option to end screen sharing quickly.
Message Security
Google is enhancing the scam protection feature in Google Messages, which uses AI to identify potential scams based on the conversation. The tool will now detect a wider range of frauds, including crypto scams, gift card scams, toll road charges, other billing fees, financial impersonation, and technical support scams.
Moreover, Google is adding verification keys to the Google Contacts app to help users authenticate the person on the other end. Users can verify their contacts by scanning a QR code or matching numbers displayed on the screen.
Theft Protection Measures
Earlier this year, Google introduced Identity Check protection for Pixel and Samsung devices. This feature requires biometric authentication to change critical settings like the device PIN or biometrics, disable theft protection, or access Passkeys. This feature will now be available to other device manufacturers with Android 16.
Later this year, Google will further enhance Factory Reset protection, restricting device reset without prior authentication of the original PIN or Google account credentials. This makes it much harder for stolen devices to be used.
Additional Protections
Google is adding new features to the Google Play Protect live detection program, which will help detect unsafe apps with hidden or altered icons. This feature will be available to users with Google Pixel 6+ in the coming months.
Additionally, Google is rolling out new on-device features as part of the Advanced Protection Mode to safeguard public figures. The company is also launching a new "Find My Hub" feature that helps users track items, friends, and family.
These new security features from Google will provide stronger protection for Android users, helping to secure their devices and data against various scams and theft threats.
