Google Messages is stepping up its fight against spam messages, introducing an upgraded scam detection system and a sensitive content warning feature to protect users from fraudulent job-seeking and package-delivery scams.

The new features, currently rolling out to beta users, utilize on-device machine learning models to evaluate messages and detect potential scams. This means that Google doesn't have access to users' conversations unless they report suspicious activity. The app already moves suspected spam messages to a spam folder or displays a warning.

The Sensitive Content Warning feature, optional for users, will blur images containing nudity and provide resources and options for users before they can view the image. This feature will be enabled by default for users under 18 and will be available on Android 9 and higher devices with over 2GB of RAM in the coming months.

Furthermore, Google Messages is working on additional features, including the ability to automatically hide messages from unknown international numbers and warnings for potentially dangerous links. A "contact verifying" feature is also planned for next year, allowing users to verify contacts' identities using a public key, similar to Apple's iMessage verification system.

This move by Google Messages marks a significant step towards creating a safer and more secure messaging experience for users, and sets a new standard for messaging apps to follow.

Summary: Google Messages is enhancing its spam filtering capabilities and introducing a sensitive content warning feature to protect users from scams and inappropriate content.

Topics: Google Messages, spam filtering, sensitive content warning, messaging apps, online safety, Android, tech startups, entrepreneurship.