If you’ve ever tapped a link from an Android notification expecting to visit a familiar site, you might not have ended up where you thought. A new security concern has surfaced that affects how Android notifications handle clickable links—making it easier for scammers to disguise harmful URLs.
As reported by Android Authority, a security researcher recently found a flaw in Android’s system that lets developers insert invisible characters into a link. The result? The notification might look like it’s showing a trusted website, like “youtube.com,” but behind the scenes, it could quietly redirect you to a fake version or a completely unrelated page.
This technique works using special Unicode characters that split the address in a way the human eye can’t detect. The device still recognizes the full hidden link, but all you see is the clean, familiar domain. When you tap the “Open link” button in the notification, your phone follows the disguised address—no warning, no prompt.
While this may sound like a hacker-only trick, the implications are serious. If a malicious app or a phishing attempt uses this flaw, users could be led to fake login pages, scam sites, or even trigger actions inside apps that don’t require confirmation. For example, a deep link could automatically start a voice call or load a page inside WhatsApp or Instagram—all without asking.
Google was notified about this issue in March 2024. While the company hasn’t issued a fix yet, a spokesperson told Android Authority that a patch is on the way.
In the meantime, here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
It’s easy to assume notifications are harmless—after all, they’re part of your everyday phone use. But this discovery is a good reminder that even small shortcuts, like opening links from pop-ups, can be risky if the system is compromised. Until Google rolls out a permanent fix, being a little extra careful with your taps could save you from a big headache.
Source: Android Authority
