Android 16 will protect users from fake cellular towers and potential spy threats

It turns out that your smartphone can be an overlooked vulnerability that puts you at risk of being tracked. To address this issue, Google is introducing a new security feature in Android 16 that will warn users of fake or unsafe mobile networks, or that the network requires identification of information about connected devices.

However, these features may not be available until the next generation of Android devices, as reported first Android Authoritative. Since current Android devices lack hardware to support these features, the first compatible Android device we can see in this technology may be the Pixel 10 debuting later this summer.

This feature is designed to offset the unit site simulator, or devices that work like a battery tower, and connect to it in nearby devices. Once connected, these simulators can collect sensitive information, such as the location of your smartphone. These cell site simulators are known for their commercial nickname, Stingray, which will be reportedly used by the U.S. immigration and customs enforcement agencies and Customs and Border Protection Agency.

The upcoming security features are being launched, as part of the latest Android OS update released earlier this month. A compatible device will have the option to turn “Network Notifications” on or off, which will warn you if your device connects to an unencrypted network or a connected network requesting a unique identifier for your phone. On top of that, there is another option that allows you to turn on “2G Network Protection” to avoid using less secure mobile network types.