How does Android 16 improve app location tracking transparency?

Android 16 beta adds a blue dot indicator that shows when an app is actively tracking your location.

What does the new blue dot icon mean on Android 16?

The blue dot with a map icon signifies that an app is currently using your device's location services.

Will Android 16 show if apps use my camera and location?

Yes, Android 16 will combine the blue location dot and green camera dot icons if an app uses both.

Home / Technology / Android 16 Beta Hints at Enhanced Privacy Controls

Android 16 Beta Hints at Enhanced Privacy Controls

18 Dec

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Summary

Android 16 beta reveals a new location tracking indicator.
Users can see which apps access their location in real-time.
This feature builds on existing camera and microphone usage alerts.

Android 16 Beta Hints at Enhanced Privacy Controls

Android 16's next quarterly platform release is poised to introduce significant privacy enhancements, with a beta version now available for Pixel devices. A new visual cue, a blue dot with a map icon, will appear near the battery indicator when an app is tracking user location. This proactive alert system allows users to immediately identify and manage apps accessing their sensitive location data. By tapping the icon, users can review which applications are active and take corrective actions, such as closing the app or modifying privacy permissions.

This innovative feature expands upon Google's existing privacy safeguards. Previously, a green dot with a camera icon alerted users to camera or microphone access. The new Android 16 update will integrate these indicators, displaying both camera and map icons when an app is simultaneously utilizing location services and accessing the camera. This combined notification system offers a more comprehensive overview of app activity.