Google has announced a range of new Android security and privacy features for 2025. Key updates include in-call protections that block risky actions like sideloading apps or granting accessibility permissions during phone calls, a pilot program for banking app screen-share scam protection in the UK with Monzo, NatWest, and Revolut, and expanded AI-powered Scam Detection in Google Messages covering toll road, crypto, financial impersonation, and gift card scams. A new Key Verifier tool lets users confirm contact identity via public encryption keys to guard against SIM swap attacks. Theft protection is being strengthened with enhanced Factory Reset protections, OTP hiding on lock screens in Android 16, and broader rollout of Identity Check. Google Play Protect gains YARA-based on-device malware pattern detection and live threat detection for hidden app icons.
Table of contents
Smarter protections against phone call scamsPiloting enhanced in-call protection for banking appsMaking real-time Scam Detection in Google Messages even more intelligentFighting fraud and impersonation with Key VerifierComprehensive mobile theft protection, now even strongerAdvanced Protection: Google’s strongest security for mobile devicesMore intelligent defenses against bad apps with Google Play ProtectAlways advancing Android securitySort: