Google making its Messages app smart at detecting scams, dangerous links, and sensitive content

Today, we chat, share photos, make plans, and sometimes — without even realizing it — stumble upon unwanted or outright dangerous content. Enter Google Messages, which is now receiving a slew of new features that aim to protect users from scams, dangerous links, and sensitive content.

In its latest update, Google announced five new privacy and security features that will help shield you from scams, risky links, and unwanted images — all while keeping things fun, safe, and hassle-free.

Enhanced scam detection

We’ve all seen those suspicious texts that often come with a too-good-to-be-true vibe, and for good reason — they’re scams. For instance, you get a text from USPS with an unfamiliar link claiming you have a delivery yet you never signed up for a tracking request. Normally, you might panic-click the link, but thanks to Google Messages enhanced scam protection, you learn that it’s a common scam and subsequently avert a potential crisis.

For users in the beta program with spam protection enabled, Google Messages now uses on-device machine learning to sift through package delivery and job-seeking texts, flagging the ones that could lead to fraud. If a text smells fishy, the app will either move it to your spam folder or warn you before you even think of clicking that shady link. And the best part? It all happens right on your phone, so no need to worry about your private chats being sent to Google.

Smart warnings for dangerous links

Imagine a scenario where someone sends you a link to a massive discount or claim a prize after a supposed contest you never entered. Thanks to Google Messages’ smart alert, you realize it’s just a trick, saving you from potential harm.

Even though we know better, the excitement of a new deal or an intriguing message can get the best of us. Which is why Google is rolling out a global feature that warns you when a message contains a potentially dangerous link, especially if it’s from an unknown sender. Previously tested in regions like India and Singapore, this tool is now expanding to more regions across the globe.

Blocking unknown international messages? Yes, please!

Nobody likes unsolicited texts, especially from international numbers that aren’t even in your contacts list. Unfortunately, this happens a lot. To deal with it, Google Messages is piloting a feature that will hide messages from unknown international senders. Starting in Singapore, this tool will move any such message straight to the “Spam & blocked” folder.

Imagine you’re in the middle of a meeting when you get a random message from an international number offering you an unbelievable job opportunity. With Google’s new feature, you’ll never even see that distraction.

Sensitive content warnings to keep you in control

This one’s a game changer for anyone who’s ever been on the receiving end of an inappropriate image. Google Messages is rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings to blur any potentially NSFW (not safe for work) images — think nudes — before you even see them. You can decide whether to view or delete the content, but not before a little “speed bump” reminds you of the risks of sharing such images.

The best part? This works on-device, meaning no one but you (and maybe the sender) will know what the image contains. It’s optional for adults, but for users under 18, the feature will be enabled by default.

Who are you really messaging? Google helps you verify

We’ve all heard about scams where someone impersonates your friend or family member via text. Google is working on a new feature that will let you verify contacts’ public keys. This means that before you hit send, you can be sure that you’re chatting with the person you think you are—especially useful for sensitive conversations.

Set to roll out next year, this contact verification tool will be unified across different apps, making it easier to ensure that your communications stay between the right people.

Think of a situation where your friend texts you asking for money urgently. Before you panic, Google Messages lets you verify that the sender is really your friend by confirming their identity through a QR code or number comparison. Cool huh!

With all these new features, Google Messages is becoming a safer and more secure messaging app. So, whether you’re chatting with friends, family, or colleagues, you can rest assured that your conversations are protected.