Enhanced security features in Google Messages: spam protection and sensitive content warnings

Google is enhancing safety features within its Messages app by introducing new protections, including “Sensitive Content Warnings” for images containing nudity. This builds upon existing safety measures that currently help Android users block over 2 billion suspicious messages each month.

One of the key updates is the introduction of “enhanced scam detection.” This feature helps users identify scam texts that may initially seem harmless but can eventually lead to fraud. Using an on-device machine learning model, the system will automatically flag these messages, moving them into the spam folder or issuing a warning. This enhancement aims to offer better protection against scams that typically arise from package delivery notifications or job-related messages. The update will first be available to users who are part of the Messages beta program and who have already enabled spam protection settings.

Google is also working to counter more complex messaging threats, particularly those that involve attempts to impersonate trusted contacts. To address this, Google is creating a unified public key verification system for messaging apps. Users will be able to verify a contact’s identity through QR code scanning or by comparing phone numbers, ensuring that they are messaging the correct individual. This feature is expected to launch next year for devices running Android 9 or higher.

Furthermore, Google is expanding protections to alert users when they receive suspicious links from unknown senders. The Messages app will display warnings for such links, and this capability will be rolled out globally by the end of this year. After successfully piloting these dangerous link warnings in countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, Google is now preparing for a wider launch. In addition, the app will block messages containing links from international senders who are not on a user’s contact list, starting with a trial in Singapore.

Another critical update is the introduction of “Sensitive Content Warnings” for images received through Google Messages. This feature uses on-device processing to automatically detect and blur images containing nudity before they are displayed. It will also include a “speed bump” warning to remind users of the risks before they send or forward explicit content, aiming to prevent accidental or inappropriate sharing.

Importantly, Google emphasizes that these warnings are processed entirely on the user’s device, meaning that Google cannot view the images or confirm whether they contain nudity. Adults will need to opt-in for this feature through Android Settings, while users under 18 will have the option enabled by default but can opt out if desired. The rollout of Sensitive Content Warnings will occur over the coming months and will be available for Android 9+ devices, including Android Go.

In summary, these enhancements in Google Messages reflect the company’s focus on improving user safety by addressing scam detection, preventing the misuse of explicit content, and increasing protection against suspicious links. The updates are designed to make communication safer and more secure for all users.