Google Voice is introducing a new feature that will alert users to suspected spam messages on Android and iOS devices. This is similar to the existing feature that alerts users to suspected spam calls.
Suspected spam messages will be marked with a red exclamation point next to the sender’s avatar in the message list. When opening a suspected spam message, the message preview will include the phrase “Suspected spam” in a matching red color.
To confirm a message as spam, users can simply tap the “Report spam” button at the bottom of the message. This will move the message to the spam folder and help Google to improve its spam filtering algorithms.
This new feature is gradually rolling out to all Google Voice users on Android and iOS devices. It is expected to be fully available in the coming weeks.
Why is this important?
Spam messages can be annoying and time-consuming to deal with. They can also be dangerous, as they can be used to spread phishing scams and malware.
Google Voice’s new spam alerts will help users to identify and avoid spam messages more easily. This will help to protect users from falling victim to fraud and other forms of online harm.
How does Google Voice identify spam messages?
Google Voice uses a variety of factors to identify spam messages, including:
- The sender’s email address or phone number
- The content of the message
- The recipient’s past behavior, such as whether they have reported other messages from the same sender as spam
Google Voice also uses machine learning to improve its spam filtering algorithms over time.
What can I do if I receive a suspected spam message?
If you receive a suspected spam message, you can tap the “Report spam” button to confirm it as spam. This will move the message to the spam folder and help Google to improve its spam filtering algorithms.
You should also be careful about clicking on any links in spam messages. These links can lead to phishing websites or websites that contain malware.
If you are unsure whether a message is spam, it is best to err on the side of caution and not open it. You can also report the message to Google Voice as suspected spam.
Conclusion
Google Voice’s new spam alerts are a welcome addition to the service. This feature will help users to identify and avoid spam messages more easily, and it will help to protect users from falling victim to fraud and other forms of online harm.