Google Messages adds enhanced scam protection, sensitive content warning to protect privacy

Google Messages

Spam messages, particularly job-seeking or package-delivery scams, are becoming increasingly common these days. To combat these types of messages, Google is now rolling out several new features aimed at protecting user privacy. The messaging app has also introduced a new Sensitive Content Warning feature, designed to blur images or media files that might have obscene content.

In a new blog post, Google has listed all the new security features coming to the Messages app. All of these features are a part of Google’s cybersecurity awareness month. To start off, Google is now bringing improved protection against scam texts that can lead to fraud or forgery. This so-called enhanced scam detection is now rolling out to Google Messages beta users on Android.

Google has also introduced Sensitive Content Warnings as an optional feature for its Messages app. It blurs explicit or sensitive content, and you also get the ability to view the media as well. When forwarding the content to others, the recipients will get a warning, reminding them of the risks associated with such media. The Sensitive Content Warning in Google Messages is opt-in for adults over the age of 18, while it is opt-out for users aged below.

Additionally, the app will soon have the capability to automatically hide texts from unknown international numbers, which might send you unsafe links. This feature is currently being run as a pilot in India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore and will be expanded to the global market later this year.

Lastly, Google has introduced a Contact Verification feature that will allow you to verify your contacts' public keys so you can confirm you’re communicating with the person you intend to message. It is being introduced to eliminate threats where an attacker tries to impersonate one of your contacts. It will be rolled out for devices running Android 9 or later, next year.