Android 15: New Screen Sharing Privacy on the Horizon

Tech News, New Delhi. Android 15, the upcoming version of Google's smartphone operating system, may introduce a robust privacy feature aimed at safeguarding users' sensitive information during screen-sharing sessions. Expected to debut in the latter half of 2024, Android 15 could revolutionize screen sharing by concealing certain screen elements like password fields and sensitive notifications. This development comes in response to growing concerns about inadvertent data leaks during screen-sharing activities.

According to a report from Android Police, the recent Android 15 Beta 1.1 release hints at a new toggle in the Developer options menu dubbed "Disable screen share protections." While this toggle remains inactive for now, it's poised to offer users the flexibility to override default privacy settings during screen sharing.

Under the hood

Digging deeper, the report uncovers a new API embedded in the latest Android 15 beta. This API empowers apps with custom virtual views, WebView, and Jetpack Compose to tap into a specialized content protection feature. The feature, as envisioned, would selectively obscure sensitive data fields, such as passwords and email addresses, shielding them from prying eyes.

The specifics of how Android 15 will discern which screen elements to conceal during screen-sharing sessions remain a mystery. However, the feature holds promise in thwarting potential scams wherein malicious actors attempt to dupe users into revealing passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or two-factor authentication codes.

As of now, the privacy-enhancing feature remains dormant in Android 15 Beta 1.1, inaccessible to users testing the initial public beta on their Pixel devices. However, industry speculations hint at its potential activation in Android 15 Beta 2 or its grand unveiling at Google I/O in May. Subsequent rollouts to beta testers could follow suit, marking a significant stride in Android's privacy evolution.