Google adds new features to protect users from scams, unwanted content

FILE PHOTO (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Scammers on the internet often use tactics that seem legitimate at first glance to trick people into sharing personal information or clicking dangerous links.

They can mimic the style of a family member’s text or impersonate a familiar contact, making it appear as though the message is from someone you trust.

To combat this, Google has introduced enhanced detection protection, which focuses on identifying and blocking phishing scams, including those disguised as package delivery alerts.

This feature is initially available to beta users and aims to prevent these deceptive messages from reaching inboxes in the first place.

This update, announced on the Google Security Blog, highlights Google’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its more than one billion users worldwide. 

The announcement, authored by Jan Jedrzejowicz, director of product for Android and business communications, and Alberto Pastor Nieto, senior product manager for Google Messages and RCS Spam, outlines a suite of tools designed to improve message security and privacy.

Shared by Forbes, one of the main additions is Google’s enhanced detection protection, which strengthens defenses against phishing scams – particularly those involving fake delivery notifications that often trick users into clicking malicious links. 

Google also introduced “intelligent warnings,” designed to flag suspicious links within messages. Already accessible in select regions, this feature is expected to roll out globally by the end of the year, offering a proactive approach to spotting risky links before they become a problem.

The update further enhances user control by enabling the option to block messages from unknown international numbers.

This filter allows users to automatically hide messages from senders outside their contact list, reducing exposure to unwanted or spammy content from unfamiliar sources.

In addition to scam protections, Google has rolled out sensitive content warnings. This feature provides control over images that may contain nudity, allowing users to choose whether they want to see such content.

This step aims to create a safer environment, particularly for users concerned about inadvertently encountering explicit images.

Lastly, Google has introduced a contact verification feature to help users confirm the identity of those they’re messaging.

This measure is aimed at preventing contact impersonation, a more sophisticated security threat that can trick users into interacting with malicious individuals posing as familiar contacts.

Though the rollout schedule may vary by region, these features underscore Google’s dedication to both behind-the-scenes security and visible measures that reinforce user confidence in the Messages app.