In response to increased privacy threats, Google is integrating some new safeguards in the next generation of its mobile operating system to protect users’ privacy. According to ZDNet, Android P will automatically prevent background apps from accessing the device’s camera and microphone.
It’s not uncommon for mobile apps to run idle in the background. Even if a user isn’t directly interacting with an app, it may still consume resources and collect data. In addition to creating sluggish performance, however, it also presents privacy concerns. Some apps, for instance, activate the device’s camera or microphone when running idle. Unbeknownst to the user, these apps collect personal data that’s often sold to marketing firms and used for targeting advertisements.
So, what prompted Android developers to include these privacy protection features in Android P? Earlier this year, cybersecurity researchers at Kaspersky Labs discovered spyware in Android apps that recorded users’ conversations, text messages and more while running in the background.
Thankfully, the next version of Android has features to protect against such privacy threats. With Android P, apps that idle unused for a given length of time won’t be able to access the device’s camera or microphone. Even if a user gives the app permission to use his or her device’s camera or microphone, Android P will automatically block it if the app is running in the background.
Accounting for 87 percent of all new smartphone operating systems, Android remains the dominant leader. While Apple’s iOS once claimed this title, Google has developed a strong footing in the mobile operating system market. The Mountain View company’s Android P will likely include several new features, only one which is enhanced privacy protection. Android P is also rumored to support Wi-Fi Direct Printing, allowing users to print content from their device wirelessly without a router or network access point.
It’s unknown exactly when Google will release Android P. The current version of Google’s mobile operating system, Android O (Oreo) was released August 21, 2017, with its predecessor, Android N (Nougat) released August 22, 2016. Assuming Google follows its existing pattern, there’s a good chance we’ll see Android P around mid-summer.
