Google is protecting its users through the enhancements in platform privacy. Google is keeping users in control of their privacy. Safeguarding online data is more important than ever before. Users want an operating system they can trust with their sensitive and personal information. Creating a safe ecosystem is the responsibility of Google.
With each Android release, Google continues to expand on a foundation designed to build trust with users. Android has a set of privacy principles that include Transparency, Control, Data Minimization, and Private compute core.
Data minimization reduces the scope of permissions. You can check the data that leaves your device. It keeps sensitive data separate from the rest of the OS.
Transparency
Transparency is about honesty. Users want to know that what apps are accessing on their device. Android 12 will increase transparency. Google is adding transparency to microphone and camera accesses. Users will know every time an app accesses their mic or camera in real-time.
You can check it by simply swiping down in Quick settings. Click on the indicator to view a list of apps accessing your data. If the access is unwarranted, you can revoke the permissions. Make sure that apps are not accessing the sensor before you click on a feature.
Privacy Dashboard
Users want to understand what data is used by apps. Google has created a new Privacy Dashboard. You will get a simple timeline view of the last 24 hours of access for camera, mic, and location; if it is a one-time request, you can check which app accessed the data.
Approximate Location Permission
Google has made location permission fine-grained. It is done by separating background and foreground access. Google has added an Only this time option in Android 12. It will also extend to camera and mic permissions. Google has also restricted access to background location.
Google is adding approximate location. If an app needs location, you will have the choice to reduce the accuracy of location by choosing the approximate location.
Clipboard Notification
Google understands how content copied to the clipboard can be sensitive. Many users frequently copy emails and passwords. Android 12 will notifies users every time an app reads from their clipboard.
You will see a toast at the bottom of the display. It will not pop up if clipboard data originates from the same app. You can also minimize access to learn about the type of data in the clipboard.
Microphone and Camera
Microphones and cameras are the most sensitive permissions. In Android 12, Google is adding two new controls. This will allow users to cut off all access to the mic and camera on the device.
If any app needs access to the mic or camera, you will be notified to turn on the sensor. The improved Android system will help end to end. Google is also limiting motion sensor’s sampling rates to 200 Hz when the mic is off.
Guest Mode Switching
It is common for users to share devices with friends and family members. Google wants you to feel protected when sharing your device. Google is making Guest Mode switching easier. They have improved Guest Mode. You can share your device in a secure way. You just need a couple of taps on the lock screen.
Nearby Device Permission
Google is minimizing Data Access in Android 12. They are adding new runtime permission for nearby connections. Until now, nearby devices require location permission to scan for nearby BlueTooth. Now in Android 12, apps can connect to the associated devices by requesting new nearby permission.
Smart Reply
Now smart reply is inside private compute core. When you type in an app, Gboard will ask smart replies for suggestions based on the conversation on screen. This data processing happens in a secure way. This sensitive data is never shared with Google, Keyboard, or the app.
Conclusion
Android 12 brings a new level of transparency. It is necessary and leads to greater trust with users. It is Google’s most ambitious privacy release to date. Google is working hard to provide users a safe experience.
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