Google Expands Pixel Scam Detection to Messaging Apps like WhatsApp and Instagram
Google is extending its scam detection capabilities on Pixel phones to include notifications from third-party messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Instagram. Currently, Pixel devices identify and warn users about suspicious phone calls and SMS messages. The upcoming update will analyze incoming push notifications for potentially harmful content, alerting users to fraudulent links or intentions.
Based on code within the latest android System Intelligence, the system will flag suspicious notifications without directly accessing app content. Users will have the option to mark messages as safe or temporarily disable the feature for specific chats, allowing for personalized adjustments.
The code also suggests a daily limit on the number of warnings issued,potentially to prevent notification overload.
A list discovered within system files indicates support for Google Messages, Google Chat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Line, Signal, Facebook Messenger Lite, and Hangouts. While Hangouts’ inclusion may be outdated, a “Test Safecomms Chat” entry likely serves internal testing purposes.Google has not yet officially confirmed the full list of supported applications.
The expanded scam detection feature is expected to debut on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 models.
