Google Boosts Android Privacy Against Cellular Tracking in Android 15
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Google revealing new privacy and security features in Android 15 to defend against cellular tracking and interception. Involves warnings for suspicious IMSI/IMEI pings and restricting connections to encrypted networks only.
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This requires buy-in from both device manufacturers (for compliant hardware) and software updates from Google. Will benefit Pixel devices first.
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Defends against fake base stations tricking devices into insecure connections that can then be intercepted. Apple has some defenses but they are limited.
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Builds on previous Android security features for blocking connections to unencrypted 2G networks. New intercept methods maintain 4G connections so more robust defenses needed.
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Comes as Google aims to match and even exceed Apple's privacy protections. Could pressure Samsung which has been criticized for security being an "afterthought."