Google has announced five new security features for Google Messages. They are designed to protect users from scams, suspicious links, unwanted content, and impersonation – ensuring a safer messaging experience for everyone. Let’s dive deeper.
Table of Contents
1. Easily Spot Scam Messages
Now Google Messages has better scam detection capabilities to protect you from suspicious messages. This new system focuses particularly on scanning messages related to package deliveries and job offers, as these are common targets for scammers.
If Google detects a potential scam message, it will either alert you or automatically forward the message to the spam folder. All scans are performed directly on your device, ensuring your messages remain private.
2. Get Warned of Dangerous Links
Bad links can lead to phishing websites that collect your personal information like passwords and payment details or can download malware onto your device. They also sometimes install bad software on your phone and collect data and whatnot.
Google Messages will now warn you about potentially dangerous links within messages. This feature was initially tested in countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, and is now being rolled out globally. If Google identifies a link as harmful, it will notify you before you even click it. Again the warning system works entirely on-device, keeping your conversations private.
3. Automatically Hide Unknown International Messages
Most scam messages come from international numbers for some reason. Receiving messages from unknown international numbers can be annoying, especially if you have no contacts outside the country.
Google Messages can now automatically hide messages from international numbers that aren’t in your contact list. These messages will be placed in an alternate folder, ensuring your main inbox stays clutter-free. This feature is already rolling out in Singapore and will gradually expand to other regions.
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4. Blur Sensitive Images by Default
Google Messages will now automatically blur sensitive images before you see them. This means you won’t have to deal with unwanted or inappropriate images directly. You can choose to ignore them without getting surprised. Tap on the blurred image to reveal if you so wish.
Additionally, Google will also show a warning when such images are shared or forwarded, helping prevent the spread of sensitive content. All scans for sensitive content are done on your device to maintain privacy.
5. Verify Encryption for Contacts Easily
Google Messages will soon introduce a simpler way to verify encryption for contacts through Google Contacts and Google Play Services. Users will no longer need to verify each contact within every app. Once a contact is verified in Google Contacts, end-to-end (E2E) encryption will be validated across all supported messaging apps.
Verified contacts will carry a verification badge, helping you avoid imposters and ensuring you are communicating with the correct person without anyone intercepting your messages.