TL;DR
- Scam Detection is capable of detecting conversation patterns commonly associated with scam or fraud calls.
- On Pixel 9 devices, the Scam Detection feature is powered by Gemini Nano, Google’s mobile-sized language processing model.
- Another new feature called Live Threat Detection will inform users if a harmful app is found on their smartphone.
To enhance the security of Android users, Google has announced the launch of two new features: Scam Detection and Live Threat Detection. While the former warns users about a fraudulent call in real-time, the latter informs them about an app’s malicious activity as and when detected. For now, the features are available on Pixel.
Also Read: Google Pixel 9 series is setting security benchmarks for Android phones
Scam Detection: What Is It And How Does It Work?
First up is the feature called Scam Detection, which uses on-device AI to notify users of a potential scam call in real-time. The feature is capable of detecting conversation patterns commonly associated with scam or fraud calls.
For instance, a caller can claim to be from the user’s bank and ask to transfer funds due to an account breach; Scam Detection can immediately process the call and inform the user that the call is likely spam. The feature alerts users via an audio, haptic alert, and a message on the screen.
You’ll Have To Enable The Feature From Phone App’s Settings
Interestingly, the Scam Detection feature is off by default, extending the list of optional features on Android phones. However, it gives users the right to decide whether they want the call to be processed by the AI detection model “fully on-device.” Google also clarified that no audio or transcription is stored on the device, and no information is sent to Google servers.
On Pixel 9 devices, the Scam Detection feature is powered by Gemini Nano, Google’s mobile-sized language processing model. However, the feature will be available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, thanks to “other robust Google on-device machine learning models.” Scam Detection is rolling out to compatible devices in the United States.
Also Read: Google’s Find My Device App Gets More Secure With Biometric Login Capability
Live Threat Detection Will Inform Users About Malicious Apps
Another new feature called Live Threat Detection will inform users if a harmful app is found on their smartphone. By tracking the activity patterns of apps, the feature can detect malicious apps “that try extra hard to hide their behavior or lie dormant for a time before engaging in suspicious activity,” writes Google in its security blog post.
For now, Live Threat Detection is focussing on stalkerware, which refers to code that can collect personal or sensitive information for monitoring users without their consent. However, in the near future, Google will expand the feature’s horizon to detect other types of harmful apps.
The feature, like Scam Detection, keeps users’ privacy at the top and processes all the data through the Private Compute Core. It is available in Google Play Protect on Pixel 6 and newer devices.
Also Read: Android Theft Protection: How To Enable And Protect Your Smartphone?
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