Overview

• Android 16 introduces a Mobile Network Security page that delivers real-time alerts when devices connect to unencrypted or suspicious cell towers used by Stingray surveillance tools.
• The page includes a “Network notifications” toggle for warnings on identifier requests and unencrypted connections; a “2G network protection” switch disables legacy 2G service.
• Support is confined to upcoming handsets such as the Pixel 10, since only devices that ship with Android 16 alongside built-in Radio HAL 3.0 support will include the panel.
• Cell-site simulators, or Stingrays, exploit automatic tower selection to harvest IMSI and IMEI numbers, track locations, intercept calls and messages, and force connections onto less secure 2G protocols.
• The update builds on Android 15’s identifier-request warnings and Android 12’s 2G disable option as surveillance threats evolve.