Android adds new scam protection for phone calls
UK banks join Android pilot to fight screen-sharing fraud.
Google is introducing new protections on Android devices to combat phone call scams, particularly those involving screen-sharing and app installations. Users will see warning messages if they attempt to change settings during a call and Android will also block the deactivation of Play Protect features.
The system will now block users from sideloading apps or granting accessibility permissions while on a call with unknown contacts.
The new tools are available on devices running Android 16 and select protections are also rolling out to older versions, starting with Android 11
A separate pilot in the UK will alert users trying to open banking apps during a screen-sharing call, prompting them to end the call or wait before proceeding.
These features expand Android’s broader efforts to prevent fraud, which already include AI-based scam detection for phone calls and messages.
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