Android launches new protections against phone call scammers

is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Google is rolling out several new features to protect Android users from falling victim to phone call scams. Now, Android will automatically block users from sideloading an app for the first time from a web browser, messaging app, or other service while on a call with an unknown contact. Google will also stop users from giving an app accessibility permissions while talking on the phone, helping to prevent a potentially dangerous app from gaining control of their device and stealing personal information. If you try to adjust these settings during a call, Google will display a message saying: “This setting is blocked to protect your device.” It also warns users that “scammers may try to take control of your device by asking you to allow accessibility access for an app.” Google already blocks users from disabling its app security service, P ... Read full article.