Google Messages is rolling out new updates to reduce spam, specifically targeting fraudulent job offers and fake package delivery texts that clutter your inbox. In addition, the platform is introducing a feature that blurs images that might contain explicit content, providing an extra layer of user protection.
The new Sensitive Content Warning feature is optional and, when activated, blurs images that are flagged for potentially containing nudity. Users will see a content alert with resource links before viewing these images, which are identified through on-device scanning. If someone attempts to share an image with nudity, the app will caution them about the associated risks. Importantly, this process happens entirely on the device, meaning Google doesn’t access or store your images, and the end-to-end encryption of RCS remains intact.
This protection is similar to Apple’s Communication Safety feature introduced with iOS 17. In Google Messages, the content warning feature will automatically be enabled for users under 18 and will roll out within the coming months for devices running Android 9 or newer with over 2GB of RAM.
Improved Spam Detection in Google Messages
To further enhance security, Google Messages is also upgrading its scam detection system. This improvement aims to better identify and filter out fraudulent messages, including those offering fake jobs or claiming to have delayed package deliveries—scams often used to steal personal data. These updates are currently being released to beta users who have spam protection turned on.
Google Messages already identifies and moves suspicious messages into a spam folder, providing warnings for potentially harmful texts. This is done using on-device machine learning, ensuring that Google doesn’t access your personal conversations unless you report a specific message. Despite the current spam filters, some unwanted texts still slip through, which is why Google is refining its system to block common scams more effectively.
Future Spam Protection Updates
Google Messages has more updates in the pipeline, including the ability to automatically hide messages from unknown international numbers—a common source of spam. Additionally, new warnings will notify users when they receive messages that contain potentially dangerous links, helping to prevent phishing and other scams.
In 2024, Google also plans to introduce a contact verification feature. This feature will allow users to verify the identity of their contacts using public key encryption, similar to the system Apple implemented for iMessage. This will provide another layer of security in Google Messages, ensuring that users can communicate safely.
With these updates—improved scam detection, sensitive content warnings, and the upcoming contact verification—Google Messages is reinforcing its efforts to keep users’ messaging experiences secure while reducing spam and safeguarding against fraudulent messages.
