Google Messages is introducing updates designed to minimize spam, focusing particularly on fraudulent job offers and deceptive package delivery texts that often fill users’ inboxes. Additionally, the platform is unveiling a new feature that blurs images potentially containing explicit content, enhancing user protection.
The optional Sensitive Content Warning feature blurs images flagged for potential nudity. When this feature is enabled, users will encounter a content alert along with resource links before viewing these images. The identification is conducted through on-device scanning. If an image containing nudity is shared, the app warns about potential risks. Notably, this process remains entirely on the device, ensuring that Google neither accesses nor stores your images, with the RCS’s end-to-end encryption preserved.
This feature resembles Apple’s Communication Safety tool introduced in iOS 17. For Google Messages, the content warning feature will be automatically activated for users under 18, and it will roll out over the coming months for devices running Android 9 or newer with at least 2GB of RAM.
Improved Spam Detection in Google Messages
To boost security, Google Messages is also enhancing its scam detection capabilities. The update aims to better identify and filter out fraudulent messages, especially those involving fake jobs or purported package delivery delays—common tactics used to steal personal data. These enhancements are currently available to beta users with spam protection enabled.
Google Messages already flags and moves suspicious messages to a spam folder, alerting users to potentially harmful texts by leveraging on-device machine learning. This approach ensures that Google does not access personal conversations unless a specific message is reported. Despite existing spam filters, a number of unwanted texts still evade detection, prompting Google to refine its system for more effective blocking of common scams.
Future Spam Protection Updates
Google Messages plans further updates, such as the ability to automatically conceal messages from unfamiliar international numbers, a frequent spam source. Additionally, new alerts will inform users of potentially hazardous links, aiding in the prevention of phishing and similar scams.
In 2024, Google aims to introduce a contact verification feature, allowing users to authenticate the identity of their contacts through public key encryption, akin to Apple’s iMessage system. This will add another layer of security to Google Messages, ensuring safer user communication.
These updates—enhanced scam detection, sensitive content warnings, and future contact verification—demonstrate Google Messages’ commitment to securing users’ messaging experiences, reducing spam, and protecting against fraudulent communications.
