Android 16 is shaping up to be a major update for privacy and security. According to a teardown of Google Play Services version 25.18.31, a new Intrusion Detection feature is in development — and it may provide users with detailed insight into suspicious activity on their devices.
🔍 What Is Intrusion Detection?
Based on code strings found in the latest beta, Intrusion Detection is designed to log sensitive system and network activity to help users identify unauthorized access. This feature would be especially useful for people working in high-risk environments or anyone concerned about digital intrusions.
Here’s what the logs may include:
- USB events
- App installations
- Bluetooth connections
- Lock screen activity
- Wi-Fi usage
- Browsing history
- Network information
🔐 Private, Encrypted, and User-Accessible
Privacy is at the core of this system. The logs are stored in a “private and encrypted Google Drive” and are end-to-end encrypted (E2EE). According to strings in the teardown, only the device owner can decrypt the logs using:
- Google account password
- Device lock screen authentication
One string reads:
“You are agreeing to E2EE log collection… Only you are able to decrypt this data with your account password and device lock screen.”
This approach appears to protect sensitive data like browsing history and network activity from falling into the wrong hands — even Google’s.
⚙️ Tied to Advanced Protection Mode in Android 16
The Intrusion Detection feature is tied to Android 16’s Advanced Protection Mode, another upcoming security enhancement. While it may not roll out to older Android versions, these strings suggest it will debut as part of Android 16’s feature set.
Additionally, the teardown notes that only the primary user of a device can modify Intrusion Detection settings, limiting exposure in shared or multi-user environments.
🧪 Not Live Yet, But Highly Likely
While Google hasn’t officially announced the feature, this isn’t the first time it’s appeared in code. The increased presence of related strings — and their integration with other Android 16 features — suggests Intrusion Detection could be announced at Google I/O or with the Android 16 beta.
If and when it launches, Intrusion Detection could be a powerful new layer of defense for users who value security and transparency — or just want a clearer picture of what’s happening behind the scenes on their devices.
