Google Unveils New Security Features to Detect Fraudulent Text Messages and Phone Calls
Enhancing Online Security with AI-Powered Scam Detection
Google has recently introduced new features to its Messages app to detect fraudulent text messages and phone calls, utilizing artificial intelligence to better protect Android smartphone users against increasingly sophisticated scams. These innovative features aim to safeguard users against the growing number of digital threats, including those emerging from the rise of AI-powered tools.
Scam Detection in Google Messages
The scam detection feature in Google Messages uses AI to analyze incoming SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real-time. As soon as a potentially fraudulent message appears, an alert is displayed on the screen, offering the user the option to reject the message or report and block the sender. This feature is activated by default for conversations with numbers not saved in contacts.
Scam Detection for Phone Calls
Google is also introducing a scam detection feature for phone calls. This feature involves real-time analysis of phone conversations using AI models directly on the device. In the event of a suspicious conversation, audio and haptic notifications are issued, accompanied by a visual warning that the call could be a scam.
Enhancing User Protection
These initiatives are designed to protect users against the growing number of digital threats, including those emerging from the rise of AI-powered tools. The features will operate locally on devices, ensuring the confidentiality of users’ conversations.
Global Rollout
Scam detection in Google Messages is initially being rolled out in English, in the USA, UK, and Canada, and is scheduled to expand to other countries soon. Scam detection for phone calls is currently in beta in the US, before being officially deployed.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the scam detection feature in Google Messages?
The scam detection feature in Google Messages is designed to detect and alert users to potentially fraudulent text messages and phone calls, helping to protect them against scams. - How does the scam detection feature work?
The feature uses AI to analyze incoming SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real-time, detecting potential scams and alerting users to take action. - Is the scam detection feature available for all users?
The feature is initially available for users in the USA, UK, and Canada, with plans to expand to other countries soon. - How does the scam detection feature for phone calls work?
The feature uses AI to analyze phone conversations in real-time, detecting potential scams and issuing audio, haptic, and visual warnings to users. - Is the scam detection feature available for all users?
The feature is currently in beta in the US, before being officially deployed.