During the Android Show on Tuesday, just ahead of the highly anticipated Google I/O, Google unveiled a suite of new security and privacy features designed to enhance user protection across its Android platform. These features focus on safeguarding calls, screen sharing, messages, device access, and system-level permissions, reflecting the company’s commitment to user security in an increasingly digital world.
Phone scams have become a prevalent issue, with fraudsters often coaxing users into clicking unsafe links or downloading dubious applications. In response, Google is implementing proactive measures to block certain actions and alert users about potential scams during calls with unknown contacts. This initiative aims to create a safer environment for users, particularly those who may be vulnerable to such tactics.
For users of Android 16, the new security features will include restrictions on side-loading apps from unverified sources and limiting accessibility permissions that could allow scammers to gain control of devices. Additionally, users running Android 6 or later will no longer have the option to disable Google Play Protect, which actively scans for harmful applications during calls.
Screen-sharing protection is also being enhanced, with reminders for users to cease sharing their screens once a call concludes. In a collaborative effort with select banks in the U.K., Google is testing a new warning screen that activates when users open a banking app while sharing their screen with an unknown number. This feature includes a button that enables users to quickly terminate the screen-sharing session, further mitigating the risk of fraud.
Messages protection
Building on the launch of its scam protection feature in Google Messages earlier this year, Google is enhancing its capabilities to better detect various types of fraud. Utilizing on-device AI, the feature now identifies scams related to cryptocurrency, gift cards, toll road fees, financial impersonation, and technical support scams. This proactive approach aims to provide users with timely alerts based on the context of their conversations.
Additionally, Google is introducing verification keys within the Google Contacts app, allowing users to authenticate the identity of their contacts. This feature enables users to verify their connections by scanning a QR code or matching displayed numbers. With verified keys, conversations in Google Messages will be end-to-end encrypted, providing an extra layer of security. If an attacker attempts to control a phone number through a SIM swap, the Google Contacts app will flag the verification status as unverified, alerting users to potential risks. This feature is set to roll out later this summer for users on Android 10 and above.
Theft-protection measures
Earlier this year, Google introduced Identity Check protection for Pixel and Samsung devices running OneUI 7, requiring biometric authentication for critical settings changes. This feature will soon be extended to other manufacturers with Android 16, enhancing security across a wider range of devices. Furthermore, Google plans to implement stricter controls on Factory Reset functions, ensuring that unauthorized resets cannot occur without the previous lock pattern, PIN, or Google account credentials, thereby making stolen devices significantly less functional.
To further safeguard against unauthorized remote locking of devices, Google is introducing a security challenge question. Additionally, Android 16 will conceal one-time passwords if the device is not connected to Wi-Fi and hasn’t been unlocked recently, adding another layer of protection against potential breaches.
Additional protections
Google is also enhancing its Google Play Protect live detection program, which identifies unsafe apps that may have hidden or altered icons. This feature will be available in the coming months for users on Google Pixel 6 and newer devices. The company is implementing a new set of on-device rules aimed at detecting a broader range of malicious applications.
Moreover, Google is strengthening its Advanced Protection Mode, particularly for public figures, by introducing new on-device features. Alongside these enhancements, a new Find My Hub will debut, designed to help users keep track of their belongings, friends, and family with greater ease.
