Google on Tuesday announced a new Android feature designed to protect users from AI-powered voice impersonation scams.
Called fake call detection, the feature will begin rolling out globally this month through Phone by Google on devices running Android 12 and later, starting with Pixel phones.
The tool is enabled by default and operates automatically in the background.
Targeting deepfake scams
Scammers have increasingly turned to AI-generated voices and spoofed phone numbers as more people avoid calls from unknown numbers.
Fraudsters can make calls appear to come from trusted contacts and mimic the voices of family members, employers or authority figures.
For example, a caller ID could display “Mom” and the voice may sound identical to hers, even though the call is coming from a scammer seeking money for a fake emergency.
How the system works
Google said the feature acts like a digital handshake between devices.
When both people are using Phone by Google, the caller’s device sends a silent verification signal.
If that signal is missing, the recipient’s phone checks with the contact’s actual device.
Google said the system can determine whether the genuine device is placing a call.
If not, users receive a warning advising them to end the conversation.
“If a scammer tries to impersonate your trusted contact, that initial confirmation signal will be missing,” Google said in a blog post.
“Your device will instantly notice this and ping your contact’s actual device to double-check. If their real device says, ‘I’m not making a call right now,’ you’ll get a warning on your screen advising you to hang up immediately.”
The technology is built on Rich Communication Services (RCS), which Google said could allow other apps and companies to adopt similar protections.
Other Android updates
Google announced several additional features alongside fake call detection.
Virtual wardrobe in Google Photos
A new “wardrobe” feature lets users virtually try on clothing.
The tool creates snapshots of outfits found in a user’s photo library.
The feature will launch next week for eligible users in:
- United States
- India
- Brazil
It supports devices running Android 10 and later.
New tools for Google Play Books
Google Play Books is adding “Catch me up,” a feature that provides story recaps to help readers resume books.
Users will also be able to highlight passages and ask questions.
The features are rolling out now for selected English-language titles.
Expanded Circle to Search
Google is also updating Circle to Search.
Instead of identifying individual items one by one, the feature can now search an entire outfit at once.
The update is available on devices running Android 14 and later that support Circle to Search.
TL;DR:
Google is rolling out fake call detection on Android 12+ devices to help users identify AI-generated voice scams. The feature verifies whether calls from trusted contacts are genuine and warns users if an impersonation attempt is detected.
AI summary:
- Google is introducing fake call detection for Android 12+ devices.
- The feature aims to stop AI deepfake impersonation scams.
- It launches globally this month, beginning with Pixel phones.
- Google Photos is getting a virtual wardrobe feature.
- Circle to Search can now identify entire outfits at once.
