Google Messages is launching new updates aimed at minimizing spam, with specific attention to fraudulent job offers and deceptive package delivery texts that congest your inbox. Additionally, a new feature is being introduced to blur images that may contain explicit content, thus providing an extra layer of user protection.
The novel Sensitive Content Warning feature is optional and, once activated, will blur images flagged as potentially containing nudity. Users will receive a content alert with resource links prior to viewing these images, which are identified through on-device scanning. If someone tries to share an image containing nudity, the app will alert them to the associated risks. Notably, this process is conducted entirely on the device, ensuring that Google neither accesses nor stores your images, and the end-to-end encryption of RCS remains untouched.
This protection mirrors Apple’s Communication Safety feature introduced with iOS 17. In Google Messages, the content warning feature will automatically activate for users under 18 and will be rolled out over the coming months for devices running Android 9 or newer with over 2GB of RAM.
Improved Spam Detection in Google Messages
To enhance security further, Google Messages is also upgrading its scam detection system. This enhancement aims to better identify and filter out fraudulent messages, such as those offering fake jobs or falsely claiming delayed package deliveries—scams commonly used to steal personal data. These updates are currently being deployed to beta users who have spam protection enabled.
Google Messages already detects and moves suspicious messages into a spam folder and provides warnings for potentially harmful texts. This is accomplished using on-device machine learning, ensuring that Google does not access your personal conversations unless you report a specific message. Despite current spam filters, some unwanted texts still break through, which is why Google is fine-tuning its system to more effectively block common scams.
Future Spam Protection Updates
Google Messages has more updates planned, including the capability to automatically hide messages from unknown international numbers—a frequent source of spam. Additionally, new warnings will alert users to messages containing potentially dangerous links, aiding in the prevention of phishing and other scams.
In 2024, Google also anticipates introducing a contact verification feature. This feature will enable users to verify the identities of their contacts using public key encryption, akin to the system Apple employs for iMessage. This will provide an additional security layer in Google Messages, ensuring safe communication for users.
With these updates—enhanced scam detection, sensitive content warnings, and the anticipated contact verification—Google Messages strengthens its efforts to secure users’ messaging experiences, reduce spam, and guard against fraudulent messages.
The post Google Messages Tackles Messaging Spam with New Features first appeared on Techfullnews.
The post Google Messages Tackles Messaging Spam with New Features appeared first on Techfullnews.
