Android phones may soon warn users when their communications are being intercepted by cell site simulators, commonly known as Stingrays. These devices mimic legitimate cell towers, tricking phones into connecting and revealing private data.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly deployed Stingrays to monitor individuals by tracking their phone locations and intercepting calls or messages. The devices often downgrade connections to less secure wireless protocols, making eavesdropping possible without alerting the user.
Stingrays can also gather data from phones belonging to bystanders nearby, raising significant privacy concerns. There are reports that non-law enforcement groups have also used such technology, further intensifying the problem.
Google has been working on a solution for over a year. The delay was largely due to hardware limitations. However, with the release of Android 16, compatible phones will gain the ability to detect and warn users about Stingray activity, enhancing mobile security against these covert surveillance tools.