Google wants to protect me from myself, but I'm not sure I want it to

Google's new Advanced Protection feature in Android 16 locks down device security by mandatorily enabling all security settings simultaneously, preventing individual customization and blocking sideloading—creating a rigid security posture that sacrifices user flexibility and device management capabilities. For IT organizations, this represents a shift toward a more restrictive mobile ecosystem similar to iOS, which has significant implications for enterprise app deployment, BYOD policies, and user autonomy. Technology leaders must evaluate whether this 'walled garden' approach aligns with their organization's security requirements versus operational flexibility needs, particularly for power users and specialized workflows.