Android users gain new spam shield

Google has begun distributing a new security layer for its Android messaging app. The update introduces Enhanced Protection, a tier that sits above the existing Standard Protection setting.

The feature was announced earlier this month. It launches with three distinct capabilities designed to catch threats that on-device filters miss. The rollout is currently visible in the latest beta version of the application.

The first tool is Scam Detection. It uses cloud-based Gemini models to analyze the full context of a conversation. This helps identify the intent of unknown senders. Google states this method handles novel attacks better than local processing. To safeguard privacy, the system uses Android's Private AI Compute. Messages are encrypted and processed in a secure space that Google says remains private to the user.

The second tool is enhanced link protection. It combines the on-device Gemini Nano model with real-time web signals. This checks unfamiliar links before a user taps them. This capability is available on the Pixel 10 and newer, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8, and other select devices.

The third change redesigns warning alerts. Links from unsaved numbers now trigger notifications that provide more time and context. This allows users to pause before interacting with the message.

Enhanced Protection is opt-in. Users must open Google Messages settings and select Protection & safety to enable it. The menu now displays three choices: Enhanced protection, Standard protection, and No protection. The app labels the final option as not recommended.