Google Introduces Advanced Security Features in Android 16 to Combat Phone Call Scams

Google is stepping up its efforts to shield Android users from phone scams with new security features in the upcoming Android 16 release. The announcement was made at The Android Show: I/O Edition on Tuesday. These features are designed to thwart common scam tactics used during phone calls.

The primary goal is to prevent scammers from manipulating users into granting unauthorized access to their devices or apps.

Android 16 will introduce restrictions on certain actions when a user is on a call with someone not in their contacts. This is a key element of the new security measures. The aim is to block actions that scammers often exploit.

Specifically, the update will block the first-time sideloading of apps from browsers, messaging apps, or file-sharing services during a call. This prevents a common method used by scammers to install malicious software.

The new features will also prevent users from granting accessibility permissions to apps during a call with an unknown contact. Accessibility permissions can give apps extensive control over a device, making them a prime target for scammers.

If a user attempts to perform these restricted actions, Android will display a warning message.

"This setting is blocked to protect your device."

This warning is intended to alert users to the potential danger and prevent them from inadvertently compromising their device's security. The core idea is to stop scammers from tricking people into handing over control of their phones while they are on a call.

Google is also experimenting with a feature in the UK designed to protect users of banking apps. This feature targets screen-sharing scams, which are often used to steal banking details.

The feature will block users from opening specific banking apps, including Monzo, NatWest, and Revolut, while screen sharing during a call.

If a user tries to access one of these apps while screen sharing, Android will display a warning message about a "likely scam."

The warning will give the user the option to either end the call immediately or wait 30 seconds before proceeding. This provides a direct countermeasure to screen-sharing scams that attempt to steal banking information.

While this feature might cause minor inconveniences at times, it is primarily designed to protect the majority of Android users from falling victim to calling scams.

Google is also expanding its on-device AI scam detection capabilities. This feature analyzes call conversations in real time to identify potential red flags.

The AI analyzes the conversation without recording or storing it, ensuring user privacy. It looks for suspicious patterns, such as requests for money transfers or personal information.

If the AI detects anything suspicious, the phone will alert the user with audio, haptic, and on-screen warnings. The alerts will suggest that the user end the call.

The Messages app is also receiving a security upgrade with smarter scam detection capabilities. The app will use on-device AI to flag and warn users about potential scam messages across SMS, MMS, and RCS.

The detection will be enabled by default in chats with unknown numbers. Users will have the option to ignore, report, or block the sender.

To ensure privacy, all analysis is performed locally on the device.

While these new features provide an additional layer of protection, some privacy concerns have been raised. Some experts have suggested that real-time call analysis could potentially lead to overreach.

However, Google has stated that the data never leaves the device. Users also have the option to disable these features if they choose.

With these updates, Google is taking a more proactive approach to protecting Android users from scams. The focus is particularly on scams that involve real-time manipulation during phone calls.