Android 16 introduces new features to protect users from phone scams

Google is rolling out a series of new features for Android, that aim to protect users from scams.

Android will automatically block the installation of apps from browsers, messaging apps, or any other sources except Google Play while a user is on a call from an unknown number.

Google will also prevent users from granting the app permission to access special features while they are talking on the phone. This helps to prevent a potentially dangerous app from taking control of their device or stealing personal information.
If the user attempts to change these settings while a call is in progress, Android will display a message stating that the setting has been blocked in order to protect the device.

According to Google, the new features will work locally on a user's device and are designed to stop attackers from tricking victims into installing malicious applications or granting them access. These features will soon be available on Android 16 devices.

In addition, the company is testing a new feature that prevents users from opening banking applications during the phone call. The aim of this feature is to combat fraudsters who pretend to be representatives of banks or government agencies. When users attempts to open a banking application, they will be warned about the possibility of fraud and given a button to end the call.