Google has introduced two new real-time protection features aimed at enhancing safety and privacy for Pixel users.
The features include Scam Detection, designed to safeguard users from scams and fraud, and Google Play Protect with Live Threat Detection, which provides alerts to protect users from dangerous apps.
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using elaborate methods to target victims. As a result, organisations are taking proactive steps to protect their users. Pixel’s latest updates leverage Google’s AI capabilities to deliver real-time protection that’s both intuitive and privacy-focused.
The new Scam Detection feature in Google Pixel is designed to detect potential scam calls in real-time, helping to stop harmful interactions before they can cause damage. The AI model powering this feature, called Gemini Nano, operates directly on the device and uses advanced pattern recognition to detect common indicators of scam calls.
When a suspicious call is detected, Scam Detection alerts the user immediately. It identifies patterns like urgent requests from banks for fund transfers and then provides on-screen, audio, and haptic notifications to help users recognise and respond to potential threats.
Privacy is a priority in Scam Detection’s design, so it operates entirely on-device. This means no call data or conversation audio is stored or transmitted to Google, providing users with peace of mind. For added control, Scam Detection is off by default, and users can choose if, and when, they want to activate it.
Scam Detection Feature
Credit: Google
In addition to Scam Detection, Google is launching Google Play Protect, an AI-based security feature now enhanced with Live Threat Detection. This feature continuously monitors apps for suspicious behaviour. It analyses specific behaviours, such as unusual permissions or interactions with sensitive data, and then issues real-time alerts if a harmful app is detected.
It also identifies potentially malicious apps that may try to disguise themselves or activate suspicious functions only after a delay.
At the moment, this capability focuses on detecting stalkerware—a type of malicious software that tracks users and collects information without their knowledge or consent. Future updates may expand detection capabilities to target other harmful app types.
Live Threat Detection also operates entirely on-device through Google’s Private Compute Core, allowing users to receive this protection without their data being collected or shared.
Live Threat Detection Feature
Credit: Google
Both features are currently available on Pixel 6 and newer devices, with plans to expand to other Android models in the coming months.
By rolling out these updates, Google demonstrates its commitment to using advanced AI to deliver safety tools that are both effective and privacy-focused. Google encourages Pixel users to begin using these features now and provide feedback to help improve their effectiveness.
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