Google has announced new security features in Android 16 designed to protect users from fake cell towers and potential surveillance threats, though the technology won’t be available on current devices due to hardware limitations.

The features, first reported by Android Authority, are expected to debut with next-generation Android devices, potentially starting with the anticipated Pixel 10 launching later this summer.

The security enhancements specifically target cell site simulators, devices that masquerade as legitimate cell towers to trick nearby smartphones into connecting to them.

Once connected, these simulators can extract sensitive information, including device location data and unique identifiers.

These devices are commonly known by their commercial name “Stingray” and have been reportedly used by federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, for surveillance purposes.

Android 16’s new protection system will alert users when their device connects to a fake or insecure mobile network, or when a network requests identifying information about the connected device.

The feature represents Google’s effort to address what security experts consider an overlooked vulnerability that could put users at risk of unauthorised tracking and data collection.

Compatible devices will offer users control over these security measures through toggle options in the settings menu.

The “network notifications” feature will warn users when their device connects to an unencrypted network or when the connected network requests the phone’s unique identifiers.

Additionally, users can enable “2G network protection” to avoid connecting to the less secure and more easily compromised 2G mobile networks.

The security features are part of the latest Android OS update released earlier this month, though the hardware requirements mean current Android devices cannot support these protections.

This limitation highlights the challenge technology companies face when implementing advanced security features that require new hardware components not present in existing devices.

The introduction of these features comes as privacy advocates and security researchers have raised increasing concerns about the use of cell site simulators by law enforcement and potentially malicious actors.

The technology allows for covert tracking and data collection without users’ knowledge, making it a significant privacy concern for smartphone users.