Google’s commitment to enhancing the safety and security of its Android platform has been particularly pronounced this year. With features like partial screen recording, private spaces, and robust defenses against juice jacking attacks, Android 15 has emerged as a reassuring update for users. Now, Google is amplifying its efforts with the introduction of new functionalities aimed at combating scam calls and malicious applications. Initially, these features will be rolled out on Pixel smartphones before extending to other Android devices.
Real-Time Threat Detection and Scam Prevention
The first notable enhancement is the live threat detection feature from Google Play Protect, designed to provide real-time alerts for potentially harmful applications. According to Google, “Play Protect analyzes behavioral signals related to the use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other apps and services.” This latest upgrade enables the system to promptly notify users when it identifies an app exhibiting unusual behavior. Such alerts empower users to take proactive measures, such as revoking permissions or uninstalling the app, before any significant harm can occur.
The risk assessment process leverages Android’s Private Compute Core, a secure processing environment that prioritizes on-device analysis. Initially, real-time alerts will focus on apps displaying stalking behavior, with plans to broaden this scope to encompass various types of harmful applications in the future.
In addition to app security, Google is enhancing its scam detection capabilities for phone calls. This feature also operates on-device, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify signs of suspicious activity, such as callers requesting money or code transfers. “If a caller claims to be from your bank and asks you to urgently transfer funds due to an alleged account breach, Scam Detection will process the call to determine whether it is likely spam,” Google explains. Currently, this feature is available to users in the U.S. as part of a phased testing initiative.
Just weeks ago, Google unveiled improved scam detection for its Messages app, targeting fraudulent schemes and package delivery scams. For call scam detection, users will need to opt-in, as the feature is set to “off” by default. Once activated, the AI, powered by the Gemini Nano model, will operate locally on Pixel 9 series devices, with plans to extend support to the Pixel 6 series and subsequent models.
