Google to Expand Pixel Phone Scam Protection to Outgoing Calls
Google plans to extend the "Scam Detection" feature on its Pixel phones to cover outgoing calls as well. The new functionality was found in a beta version of the Google Phone app.
Google intends to broaden the "Scam Detection" feature on its Pixel smartphones to include actively dialed outgoing calls. This expansion, identified in a beta version of the Google Phone application, aims to enhance user protection against fraudulent activities.
Currently, the Scam Detection functionality on Pixel phones analyzes incoming calls to identify potentially deceptive communication. The feature requires manual activation by the user and has so far focused exclusively on calls received by the device.
The technology outlet Android Authority discovered references to "enableSharpieOnOutgoingCalls" within the Google Phone app's code. "Sharpie" is an internal codename for the feature. By analyzing both incoming and outgoing calls, Google seeks to prevent scenarios where scammers might attempt to bypass protections by inducing users to initiate calls.
Future Google Pixel 9 models and subsequent devices will utilize Gemini AI to power this feature. The processing is conducted locally on the device, ensuring that call audio and transcriptions are not shared with Google, thereby safeguarding user privacy.
This upcoming enhancement is expected to significantly bolster user security by limiting avenues for scammers to exploit phone calls for illicit purposes.