Android 17 to Add Banking Scam-Call Blocking and Expanded Security Protections

Summary

Google says Android 17 will add bank-app-assisted spoofed-call blocking, expanded Play Protect threat detection, biometric device-loss controls, and privacy features. Some protections will also reach older Android versions or select markets.

Key points

Android will use app-level checks and bank-provided caller-number lists to identify and end spoofed scam calls; the initial rollout includes Revolut, Itaú Unibanco, and Nubank.
Live Threat Detection will target SMS-forwarding misuse, concealed accessibility overlays, apps that hide or alter their icons, and malicious background launches.
“Mark as lost” will add biometric locking and disable Quick Settings, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth; Google says theft protections will also reach some older devices in select markets.
Chrome for Android will scan downloaded APKs for known malware, while Android will hide SMS one-time passwords from most apps for three hours.
Advanced Protection will add restrictions on accessibility services and device-to-device unlocking, and scam detection for chat notifications.
Other announced changes include fewer PIN/password guessing attempts, Android build verification on Pixel devices, and post-quantum cryptography protections.

Article Details

Event Type: Android security and privacy feature announcement
Impact: Android 17 is expected to add protections against spoofed banking scam calls, malicious apps, and device theft, alongside privacy and security upgrades. The scam-call feature will initially work with Revolut, Itaú Unibanco, and Nubank, and Google says it will also be available on Android 11 and later. Some theft-protection features will be available on Android 10 or later in select markets; rollout timelines may vary.

Vendors

GoogleGoogle also plans broader privacy and security upgrades such as APK scanning, OTP hiding, post-quantum cryptography, and expanded Advanced Protection across Android versions.

Products

AndroidAndroid 17 will add stronger anti-theft, scam-call blocking, and threat detection features, including tighter protections for banking apps, improved Live Threat Detection, and biometric “Mark as lost” controls.Android 17Android 17 will add stronger anti-theft, scam-call blocking, and threat detection features, including tighter protections for banking apps, improved Live Threat Detection, and biometric “Mark as lost” controls.Chrome for AndroidChrome for Android will scan downloaded APKs for known malware before installation.Nubank#Android17 Play ProtectAndroid’s Live Threat Detection – an anti-stalkerware capability that leverages Play Protect to analyze app behavior and assess potential risk – is being expanded to detect additional abuse techniques, including SMS Revolut#Android17

Countries

ArgentinaGoogle says that in select markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, the device theft protection feature will be available on smartphones running Android 10 or later.ChileGoogle says that in select markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, the device theft protection feature will be available on smartphones running Android 10 or later.ColombiaGoogle says that in select markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, the device theft protection feature will be available on smartphones running Android 10 or later.MexicoGoogle says that in select markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, the device theft protection feature will be available on smartphones running Android 10 or later.United KingdomGoogle says that in select markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, the device theft protection feature will be available on smartphones running Android 10 or later.