Google Messages Enhances Spam Detection to Combat Scams

Google Messages is enhancing its spam detection to tackle rising scams related to job-seeking and package delivery texts. The new system will better filter fraudulent messages, using on-device machine learning to evaluate suspicious content without breaching user privacy. Additionally, Sensitive Content Warnings will blur images containing nudity, providing an option for users to avoid explicit content. These features will roll out to beta users soon, including protections against international spam and dangerous links.

Enhanced Spam Detection

Google Messages has long had a spam filter, but recent updates make it smarter and more efficient. The upgraded scam detection system focuses on blocking fraudulent texts that often pose as job opportunities or package delivery alerts. Scammers commonly use these methods to extract personal information, so better protection in this area is a welcome addition. The system uses on-device machine learning, meaning all filtering happens on your phone, and Google does not access your data. For those who already use spam protection, this upgrade offers stronger safeguards.

Google’s Sensitive Content Warning adds another layer of protection. When enabled, the feature scans images for explicit content and blurs anything flagged as potentially containing nudity. If users attempt to share such content, they’ll be shown a warning about the associated risks. This feature, similar to Apple's Communication Safety feature in iOS 17, is designed to safeguard minors by default and protect against unwanted explicit content.

Rolling Out Now

These features are currently rolling out to beta users with spam protection enabled and will be made widely available soon. The sensitive content warnings, in particular, will become available for devices running Android 9 or higher. The update also includes new protections, such as hiding messages from unknown international numbers and alerting users to potentially dangerous links in their conversations.

Google's proactive stance, combined with these new safeguards, means the messaging experience on Android is becoming safer, especially for younger and more vulnerable users.

Future Features: Contact Verification

Looking ahead, Google has announced plans to launch contact verification in 2025, which will allow users to verify a contact’s identity through a public key system. This feature will further enhance security, ensuring that the person you're messaging is who they claim to be—an initiative aimed at combating identity fraud.

In conclusion, Google Messages is stepping up its fight against spam and scam messages, and these new features could significantly reduce the nuisance of fraudulent texts while maintaining strong user privacy.