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Google’s Identity Check Security Feature Set to Expand to More Devices with Android 16 Update

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Google is set to expand the availability of its Identity Check security feature to more smartphones with the upcoming Android 16 update. Initially introduced on select Samsung and Google Pixel devices, this feature is designed to offer additional protection against unauthorized access, particularly in the event of a phone theft. When activated, Identity Check requires biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, before any critical settings can be changed. This means that even if a thief gains access to a phone, they won’t be able to alter important configurations or gain control over sensitive data without the proper biometric verification. Apple’s iOS has a similar feature called Stolen Device Protection, which was introduced with iOS 17.3, highlighting a growing trend toward enhancing security in mobile devices.

The feature was recently discovered in the Android 16 beta for the OnePlus 13, as reported by Android Authority. This security tool mirrors the version released in December 2024 for Google Pixel devices through the Android 15 QPR1 update. Samsung also integrated Identity Check with its One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, showing that the feature is gradually becoming a key part of Android’s security architecture. With Android 16’s broader rollout, it is expected that other smartphones, including the OnePlus 13, will soon receive this feature, enhancing the security of a larger array of devices.

The rollout of the Identity Check feature is anticipated to be part of Android 16 updates in the coming months. Devices running Android 16 or those launching with the operating system will likely come equipped with this feature out of the box. However, not all smartphones will be able to support Identity Check. The feature requires the device to be equipped with class 3 biometric authentication, a specification that ensures the biometric data is secure enough to protect sensitive actions. This means that only phones with the appropriate biometric hardware will be able to take advantage of this enhanced security.

Once available, users can easily enable Identity Check by navigating to Settings > Google > Theft Protection > Use Identity Check. When activated, the feature ensures that sensitive actions—like changing the device’s PIN, accessing app passwords, or disabling the Find My Device function—will require biometric authentication. In addition to protecting device settings, Identity Check also safeguards Google accounts on the device. This added layer of protection makes it significantly more difficult for thieves or unauthorized users to take control of a user’s Google account, even if they have access to the device’s passcode. As a result, users can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing their data and accounts are secure, even if their phone falls into the wrong hands.

Google Hit with £5 Billion Lawsuit in the UK Over Alleged Abuse of Online Search Dominance

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Alphabet’s Google is facing a class action lawsuit in the UK that could result in damages of up to £5 billion ($6.6 billion or approximately Rs. 56,536 crore). The lawsuit, filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, accuses the tech giant of abusing its dominant position in the online search market, claiming that its actions have inflated advertising costs and harmed competition. The legal battle highlights the growing scrutiny of Google’s market practices, particularly its influence over online search and advertising.

The class action, led by competition law expert Or Brook, argues that Google’s business practices have allowed the company to charge higher prices for the ads that appear in search results than it would be able to in a competitive market. A significant part of the case revolves around Google’s alleged agreements with phone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and the Chrome browser on Android devices. The lawsuit also claims that Google paid Apple to make its search engine the default on iPhones, further stifling competition from other search engines.

According to the plaintiffs, these practices were designed to give Google a competitive edge in the online search and advertising markets, ensuring its search engine had superior functionality and features compared to its rivals. By locking in users and developers to its ecosystem, the lawsuit claims Google effectively shut out competitors, reducing choices for consumers and increasing costs for advertisers.

In response, Google has dismissed the lawsuit as “speculative and opportunistic.” A spokesperson for the company stated that the tech giant would “vigorously” defend itself against the claims. The spokesperson further argued that consumers and advertisers continue to use Google’s services because they are helpful and effective, not because there are no alternatives in the market. This lawsuit adds to the growing legal challenges Google faces in various countries over its market dominance and antitrust practices.

New Google Play Services Update Brings Auto-Restart Security Feature to Android Smartphones

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Google is introducing a new security feature to Android smartphones with the latest Google Play Services update, designed to enhance user data protection. The new feature automatically restarts an Android device if it hasn’t been unlocked for a continuous period of three days. This automatic reboot aims to ensure that any unauthorized attempts to access the device’s data are thwarted, providing an extra layer of security. The feature is also expected to extend to Android tablets, further improving the overall security across Google’s mobile ecosystem.

This update, which is part of the Google Play Services v25.14 update, is designed to activate if a smartphone remains locked for 72 hours. Once this threshold is met, the device will automatically restart, and users will be prompted to enter their passcode upon unlocking the device. This process ensures that all user data on the phone is encrypted, and any biometric unlock features are disabled until the correct passcode is entered. This is known as the Before First Unlock (BFU) state, a security measure that prevents unauthorized access.

The BFU state is crucial because it safeguards the data from potential intruders, such as thieves or anyone trying to access the phone without permission. If the device is rebooted, it automatically enters this state, encrypting all data and disabling biometric authentication. Once the user successfully enters their passcode, the device transitions into the After First Unlock (AFU) state, where biometric authentication and data access are restored. By adding this automatic restart feature, Google is ensuring that user data remains secure, even in situations where a device might be left unattended for several days.

Similar to Apple’s iOS 18.1 update, which introduced an ‘Inactivity Reboot’ feature in October 2024, this Android update aims to enhance the security of personal devices. While Google’s changelog mentions that the automatic restart feature will be available on smartphones, it is likely to be rolled out for Android tablets as well. This feature is optional, allowing users to toggle it on or off, depending on their preference for enhanced security. With this update, Android users can feel more confident that their devices are better protected against unauthorized access.