• Android 16 to introduce warnings for fake cell towers and dubious networks
• New system identifies 'stingray' devices impersonating legitimate cell towers
• Feature expected to roll out with smartphones launching on Android 16

Not all mobile networks are trustworthy. If your phone unknowingly links to a counterfeit cell tower, your personal data could be exposed to surveillance. Google is stepping in to help: Android 16 will include a new security enhancement designed to spot suspicious network behavior and alert you if someone attempts to intercept your calls or messages.

Known as 'stingray' devices, cell tower simulators broadcast a fake signal that tricks phones into connecting, potentially revealing your location and private communications. Until now, these attacks have been nearly impossible for average users to detect, leaving them with few tools to defend against silent eavesdropping.

To combat this threat, Google has built a detection and alert system into Android 16 that identifies rogue networks and notifies users when a connection appears suspicious. This background feature, expected to arrive with new devices running Android 16, marks a major leap forward for mobile privacy.

No more fake signals

Stingrays operate by pretending to be real cell towers. Once a phone connects, the operator of the device can track the user’s location, collect sensitive data like the phone’s IMEI number, and even downgrade the connection to an unsecured network to intercept calls and texts—all without the user’s knowledge.

These IMSI-catcher-style tools are often used by law enforcement, sometimes under the banner of public safety. However, their potential for abuse increases significantly if they’re used without oversight or fall into the wrong hands.

Most stingray attacks exploit 2G networks, which lack strong encryption and tower authentication. Even if your phone primarily uses 4G or 5G, it can automatically fall back to 2G when signal strength drops—making it vulnerable. By broadcasting a powerful 2G signal, stingrays can force nearby devices to connect, opening the door to surveillance.

Currently, the most effective way to avoid such attacks is to disable 2G connectivity entirely.

Android 16 brings an additional safeguard. Developer documentation from the Android Open Source Project reveals the addition of “network notification” alerts. Phones compatible with this feature will be able to detect when a network requests identifying information or attempts to force a connection to an unencrypted protocol—both red flags for stingray activity—and notify the user.

This functionality will be accessible under ‘Mobile network security’ in settings, alongside an option to enable 2G protection. However, no existing Android devices—including current Pixel models—have the necessary hardware to support it. As a result, the setting remains hidden for now.

It’s expected that the first smartphones capable of detecting fake towers will launch later this year. The Google Pixel 10 is a likely candidate to debut this feature, potentially earning its place as the most secure smartphone on the market.

The above is the detailed content of Get ready for a big DJI vs Insta360 face-off – exciting new leaks have revealed their imminent tiny action cams, but I have questions. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!