According to Android Authority , Google has just added a new security feature to Android 15 that helps the platform warn users when mobile networks collect device IDs or use insecure connections.
The new feature is designed to protect users from 'stingray' tracking devices, which are used by law enforcement agencies and criminal organizations to spy on communications. Stingrays are capable of mimicking a mobile network, tricking a user's device into connecting to it to collect the device's unique ID, or switching the device to an insecure connection to intercept messages and calls.
Google brings spying protection to Android 15
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Android 15 will warn users when a mobile network collects a device's IMSI or IMEI, two identifiers that identify the SIM and the device itself, respectively. Users will also be warned when the network tries to switch the device to an unencrypted connection. Google says the feature will only be available on select devices with modems that support the new Cellular Identifier Disclosure Transparency Abstraction Layer (HAL) API.
The new feature is part of Google's ongoing efforts to protect user privacy. Google has previously introduced other privacy features in Android, including support for turning off 2G connections and turning off connections that use invalid mobile encryption.
The use of 'stingrays' has been controversial because they allow law enforcement agencies to secretly collect data from criminal suspects. However, critics say 'stingrays' could also be used to spy on journalists and political activists.
In addition to the new security feature, Google also encourages users to take other precautions to protect their privacy, such as using strong passwords and turning on two-factor authentication.
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