What you need to know
- Google’s Messages app now utilizes on-device AI to combat spam, suspicious links, and unwelcome content.
- If potential scams are identified, Messages will either mark it as spam or notify you.
- Google is introducing alerts for hazardous links that may lead to malware or phishing sites, currently being tested in select countries with a global rollout planned in the near future.
- New smart alerts will automatically blur explicit content in images. Users under 18 will have this feature enabled by default, while adults will need to opt in.
Google has introduced a range of new security features for its Messages app that leverage on-device AI to ward off spam, shady links, and other digital clutter.
In line with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Google’s premier messaging app has enhanced scam detection, focusing on identifying fake delivery and job offer scams.
If a potential scam is detected, Google Messages will either place it in the spam folder or provide you with a warning. It employs on-device machine learning to detect these tactics while keeping your conversations private, as detailed in the company’s blog post. This update is currently undergoing testing by beta users who have activated the spam protection feature.
Furthermore, Google is rolling out smart alerts for potentially risky links. These malicious URLs can pose serious threats, from installing harmful software to directing users to fake phishing websites.
The messaging app will notify users when they receive links from unknown sources and filter out messages containing such links. Currently, Google is testing this feature with users in India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, with intentions to expand globally later this year.
It should be noted that while many scam messages originate from overseas, not all are international. Google has announced that users will soon have the option to automatically hide messages from foreign senders not in their contacts. These messages will be directed to the “Spam & blocked” folder. This feature is currently in testing in Singapore and will be available in more countries soon.
The latest security enhancements also introduce smart alerts that automatically obscure explicit content in images. If users attempt to share inappropriate content, they will receive a warning about potential risks. This feature will be activated by default for users under 18, while adults can opt in via the Android settings. This update is anticipated to roll out in the coming months for Android devices running version 9 or later.
Scammers do not solely rely on international numbers; they often impersonate legitimate businesses or even acquaintances. To counteract these tactics, the Messages app is introducing a contact verification system that utilizes each contact’s public key to verify their identity, verifying sender credentials through a QR code or registered phone number.
Let’s hope Google accelerates the deployment of these new features. After all, over a billion individuals depend on Google Messages to keep their daily conversations flowing, as per the company.