Google has rolled out a series of new security features for its Messages app that use on-device AI to fend off spam, dubious links, and other unwanted content. It’s also adding a content warning to blur images that might contain nudity as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In February, Google already introduced Gemini into Messages and AI text summaries for when driving.
Google Messages adds Sensitive Content Warning
The Sensitive Content Warning feature is optional. When activated, it displays a “speed bump” providing users with resources and options before allowing them to view an image flagged for nudity through on-device scanning. If users attempt to share an image containing nudity, the app will alert them about potential risks.
According to the tech firm’s security blog, when Google Messages suspects a potential scam text via its enhanced detection measures, “it will automatically move the message into your spam folder or warn you.”
It states that it uses on-device machine learning models to classify these scams, so conversations stay private and the content is never sent to Google unless users report spam. The enhancement is being rolled out now to Google Messages beta users who have spam protection enabled.
Dangerous links
Google Messages will also soon provide intelligent warnings for potentially dangerous links. The app will alert you when you receive a link from an unknown sender and block messages containing links from suspicious sources. The feature is currently available to users in India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore as part of a pilot program, but Google plans to expand it globally later this year.
International senders
To safeguard against scam texts from international numbers, Google Messages will allows users to automatically hide messages from unknown international senders not in their contacts. When the feature is enabled, the messages are automatically moved to the “Spam & blocked” folder.
Confirmation about who you’re messaging
Google is also creating a unified system for public key verification across different apps, so that you can avoid sophisticated messaging threats where an attacker tries to impersonate one of your contacts. This will help users to verify contacts’ public keys so that they can confirm they’re communicating with the person they intend to message.
Featured image: Canva
