Google Pixel phones get scam detection powered by on-device AI

A great security feature... if you're cool with Google eavesdropping on your calls

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Why it matters: Phone scams are becoming an increasingly challenging problem to address, but AI could play a significant role in tackling them. To that end, Google is rolling out an "intelligent" anti-scam shield for Pixel owners designed to enhance security while ensuring user privacy remains protected.

After its initial announcement at the 2024 I/O conference, Google is officially rolling out its Scam Detection feature for Phone by Google devices. The feature will debut on Pixel smartphones and is expected to expand to more Android devices "soon." Despite using AI, Google assures privacy-conscious users that there is no cause for concern.

Scam Detection is a real-time feature designed to shield users from scams and fraudulent activities. According to Google's announcement, the feature analyzes phone calls to identify patterns commonly associated with scams, such as impersonating a bank representative, a carrier employee, or someone urgently requesting an unsolicited fund transfer.

When a potential scam is detected, the system provides users with audio, haptic, and visual alerts, along with an option to quickly end the call. The feature leverages Google's Gemini Nano AI model, which runs entirely offline but requires substantial RAM. Currently, Gemini Nano is exclusive to Pixel 9 devices, but Google plans to extend the feature to older Pixel models (Pixel 6 and newer) using other "robust" on-device machine learning models.

Scam Detection is "private by design," Google emphasizes, ensuring users retain full control over the feature. It is disabled by default and can be turned off at any time, either for all calls or during specific ones. All data and voice processing occur entirely on the device, with no audio or transcripts stored or sent to Google's servers.

Google is positioning Scam Detection as a secure and significant improvement in the fight against mobile scams. The company estimates scammers collectively generate over $1 trillion annually, with phone calls remaining one of their most effective tools. As scam tactics grow increasingly sophisticated, Google has turned to AI to provide reliable protection for users.

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Scam Detection relies on the Gemini Nano AI model to shield Pixel users from fraudulent calls effectively. However, Google also unveiled an additional security enhancement unrelated to AI. Google Play Protect is gaining real-time capabilities on Pixel 6+ devices. This updated service can now analyze running apps to detect potentially harmful behavior. Initially focused on identifying stalkerware apps, the feature will expand to target other malicious app categories in future updates.