Spam, smishing, nudity: Google Messages implements new security measures against unwanted content

Google rightly continues to highlight the high level of protection of its Messages application, the default messaging service on most Android devices. After RCS protocol integrationallowing end-to-end data encryption, or even spam detection, the Mountain View firm has just presented on its blog a series of new features intended to strengthen user security:

1. Improved Scam Detection: The update will strengthen the detection of fraudulent SMS messages, primarily targeting scams related to package deliveries and job offers. Suspicious messages will automatically be sent to the spam folder or reported. The app will use a machine learning algorithm directly on the device, ensuring the privacy of conversations.

2. Smart warnings on suspicious links: Google Messages will now alert users when they receive a link from an unknown sender and block messages containing links deemed potentially dangerous. After a testing phase in Asia, the function will be extended globally.

3. Blocking international messages: Users will soon be able to automatically hide messages from unknown international numbers. First tested in Singapore, this feature will then be rolled out to other countries.

4. Warnings on sensitive content: To limit exposure to inappropriate images, photos that may contain nudity will be blurred by default. A reminder will appear before sending or transferring sensitive images, urging caution. These analyzes will be done locally on the device, thus preserving confidentiality.

5. Contact verification: Expected next year, this new option will make it possible to verify the identity of contacts by comparing public keys or scanning a QR code. It aims to counter attempts at identity theft.

Google Messages

Google Messages is the application dedicated to SMS and MMS on Android. It also uses the RCS protocol which allows messages to be sent even without a network with an internet connection (WiFi).

• Downloads:
  632
• Release date:
  10/21/2024
• Author :
  Google LLC
• License:
  Free license
• Categories:
  

  Internet – Communication

• Operating system:
  

  Android, Online Service
  

These new means, supported by AI, aim to intensify the fight against ever more sophisticated threats, while guaranteeing user confidentiality. Google plans to gradually roll them out to devices running Android 9 or later.