Overview

• The Mobile Network Security page has returned in Android 16’s Safety Center, featuring a Notifications section and a 2G Network Protection section.
• Enabling Network notifications will trigger real-time alerts when a device connects to unencrypted cellular towers or when networks request device identifiers such as IMSI or IMEI.
• The 2G Network Protection toggle allows users to disable or re-enable 2G connectivity to prevent forced downgrades to older, less secure protocols.
• Both settings are disabled by default and require phones to ship with Android 16 and support Android’s Radio HAL 3.0 modem drivers, at manufacturers’ discretion.
• Stingray surveillance tools mimic legitimate cell towers to intercept calls, messages and location data, and have been used covertly by U.S. law enforcement and recently adopted by malicious actors.