Over the last few years, Google has introduced various protective measures for calls, messages, and web browsing. These features increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to shield smartphone users from scams. As we approach the I/O 2025 developers conference, Google has shared details about new safety tools set to launch on Android devices this year.
Enhancing Protection Against Scams
Scammers often trick users into turning off built-in security features like Google Play Protect.They may encourage people to install harmful apps or grant permissions that lead to data theft. Google's upcoming safety enhancements aim to counter these tactics effectively.
Alerts for Screen Sharing During Banking Calls
One of the key new features is screen-sharing alerts designed to combat banking scams. Online fraudsters frequently impersonate bank or government officials and request that users share their screens. This tactic can lead to unauthorized money transfers or the installation of malicious software.
To address this issue,Google is collaborating with banks on a new in-call protection feature. If you are using a banking app while talking with an unknown caller,your phone will alert you about potential risks and offer options to end the call and disable screen sharing concurrently.
This feature will be available for devices running Android 11 or later versions, starting in the UK.Additionally, Google plans to enhance scam detection within its Messages app.Previously focused on job offers and package delivery scams, it will now identify a broader range of fraudulent activities in real time.
The AI-driven system will target fake road toll messages, cryptocurrency-related texts, financial impersonation attempts, gift card schemes, free prize notifications, and tech support frauds as well. Protection against tech support scams will also extend into Chrome browser usage.
Contact Verification System Against Identity Theft
Identity theft and impersonation are significant concerns today. Many individuals have reported losing substantial amounts of money due to scammers posing as friends or family members online. To tackle this issue head-on, Google is introducing a feature called Key Verifier.
With Key Verifier integrated into the Google Contacts app, users can ask friends and family members for verification of their contact details through QR code scanning secured by encryption layers. Once verified through scanning by both parties involved in communication—indicated by a green lock icon—the contact becomes marked as verified.
How does this work? Imagine your friend's phone gets stolen; if someone tries messaging you using their SIM card in another device without proper verification steps taken first—the message would show up as unverified rather of coming from your friend’s usual contact facts—alerting you that something might be wrong with that communication attempt.
Key Verifier will roll out soon for all phones operating on Android 10 or newer versions over the next few weeks.
Conclusion: A Safer Digital Experience Ahead
Google's commitment towards enhancing user security reflects its understanding of current digital threats faced by smartphone owners today—from identity thefts targeting personal connections down through sophisticated online fraud schemes aimed at financial exploitation via deceptive practices like screen sharing requests during sensitive transactions such as banking calls—all these advancements signify an significant step forward toward creating safer environments across mobile platforms moving forward!
