Google has rolled out a new AI-powered feature on Android to fight against fake and spoofed calls. The update aims to identify fraudulent activities in real time. It responds to a surge in fraud driven by AI voice cloning and caller ID spoofing.
The feature comes as a shift from traditional spam filters as it aims to verify the caller's authenticity, not just block known spam numbers.
Google explained that ‘when a person makes a call, their smartphone will send a silent verification signal to the recipient’s phone. This signal acts as proof that the call is genuinely coming from that known contact’s device.’
The solution uses a device-level verification system. When the call is established, both devices silently exchange an encrypted message. This verifies whether the incoming call is from a trusted source.
If the verification process fails, the system will indicate this, and the smartphone will warn the user. Google has made sure that the feature operates on-device. This means that private information would never leave the phone. The AI learns patterns and anomalies in calls.
If the incoming call seems suspicious, Android strips away the caller's name and profile picture. The UI flags the call as unknown or even malicious. Another step involves displaying a specific warning prompt to the user.
The technology starts rolling out through the Phone app running on Android 12 and later OS versions. It initially arrives on Pixel devices and gradually spreads. Optimal operation requires the caller and recipient to be using compatible Android devices.
AI software is used by scammers to replicate the voice and induce panic among users. This leads the users to share private data or even pay. This move by Google changes its focus from phone number screening to identity verification.
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