# Google’s Recent Enhancements: Safeguarding Android Users from Scams with On-Device AI
In an era where digital interactions are increasingly susceptible to scams, Google is intensifying its initiatives to shield Android users from deceitful practices. Ranging from counterfeit delivery alerts to deceptive job offers, cybercriminals are continuously refining their methods to mislead unsuspecting individuals. To counter this threat, Google has launched various updates to its **Messages app**, employing **on-device AI** to combat spam, dubious links, and other harmful content.
### Essential Information:
– **On-device AI** has now been incorporated into Google’s Messages app to identify and eliminate spam, suspicious links, and other unsolicited content.
– When a potential scam is recognized, the app will either direct the message to the spam folder or notify the user.
– Google is experimenting with **smart alerts** for perilous links that could redirect users to malware or phishing sites, with plans for a worldwide rollout soon.
– **Nudity in images** will be automatically blurred by default for users under 18, while adult users will have the option to enable this feature.
– Users will soon have the option to automatically conceal messages from international senders not saved in their contacts, routing them directly to the spam folder.
## Google’s Battle Against Spam and Scams
During **Cybersecurity Awareness Month**, Google has unveiled a range of new security enhancements aimed at increasing the safety of its Messages app. These updates are intended to address some of the most prevalent scams, such as fake delivery alerts and fraudulent job opportunities, which have surged in recent times.
The heart of these updates is **on-device AI** that identifies and obstructs unwelcome content while safeguarding user privacy. If the AI detects a potential fraud, it will either relocate the message to the spam folder or issue a caution to the user. This function is currently being trialed by beta testers who have activated the spam protection option in their app settings.
### Smart Alerts for Suspicious Links
One of the noteworthy updates is the introduction of **smart alerts** for dubious links. Cybercriminals frequently deploy harmful URLs to deceive users into downloading malicious software or visiting phishing sites that compromise personal data. Google’s Messages app will now inform users when they receive links from unfamiliar sources, aiding in the prevention of these attacks.
This feature is currently undergoing testing in select countries, including **India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore**, with a global rollout anticipated later this year. The aim is to complicate scammers’ efforts to exploit users via deceptive links, which are often camouflaged as legitimate messages.
### Filtering International Spam
Although numerous scam messages originate from international sources, identifying them is not always straightforward. Google is confronting this challenge by enabling users to automatically hide messages from **international senders** who are not in their contact list. Such messages will be promptly transferred to the “Spam & blocked” folder, minimizing the risk of users becoming victims of international scams.
This feature is currently under trial in **Singapore** and will be expanded to additional countries in the near future. By eliminating messages from unidentified international numbers, Google intends to furnish users with an extra layer of defense against scams.
### Shielding Against Explicit Content
Beyond fighting scams, Google is also taking measures to protect users from explicit material. The latest update introduces **smart alerts** to automatically blur nudity in images. If a user receives or attempts to share explicit content, they will be alerted about the associated risks.
This feature will be set to default for users under 18, ensuring that younger users are shielded from inappropriate material. Meanwhile, adult users will have to opt into this feature via their Android settings. This update is projected to be available in the coming months for devices operating on **Android 9** or later.
### Confirming Contacts to Prevent Impersonation
Scammers often do not solely depend on international numbers or dubious links; they frequently impersonate legitimate companies or even acquaintances to deceive users. To tackle this, Google is unveiling a **contact verification system** within its Messages app. This system utilizes each contact’s **public key** to validate their identity, guaranteeing that users are conversing with the correct individual.
The verification can be accomplished via a **QR code** or a registered phone number, making it more challenging for fraudsters to impersonate trusted contacts. This additional security measure will enhance users’ confidence when communicating with businesses or individuals through the Messages app.
## The Future Ahead
With over a billion users depending on Google Messages for everyday communication, these updates are timely. As scams escalate in sophistication, it’s vital for tech giants like Google to maintain an edge and safeguard users from falling prey to these schemes.
While the new features are presently being trialed in selected areas, Google aims to expand them globally in the upcoming months. As the company refines its on-device AI and smart alerts, Android users can anticipate a more secure, enhanced messaging experience.
