Google Messages will soon start to warn you when tapping on links sent by unknown senders
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If you’re getting tired of annoying spam texts and shady links that often try to lure you into clicking them on your Messages app, you may be in luck. Found hidden in the code are signs that Google is stepping up security in its Messages app to give users an extra layer of protection.
A new pop-up warning system could be coming soon to Messages. This feature is designed to make you think twice before clicking on links in messages from people you don’t know, whether they’re coming through RCS or standard old SMS.
Imagine this: you get a text from an unknown number with some enticing link. Curiosity takes over, and you go to tap it. This new feature will immediately pop up a warning that says something like this: “Caution: this sender isn’t one of your contacts.” To open that link, you have to check a box acknowledging that there could be risks and then hit “Continue.”
The idea is to make you think twice before clicking on links sent by senders you don’t know. This would hopefully snap us out of autopilot mode and make us consider twice whether those links are worth exploring.
Google Messages already has some link warnings, but this new feature looks more robust. Currently, it’s easy to breeze past those messages. This new system adds a little friction, forcing you to stop and think before taking a potentially risky action.
This feature popped up in a beta version of Google Messages, so we might see it rolling out to testers before landing in the main app. It’s yet another sign, on top of Google recently blocking RCS on rooted phones, that they’re taking security in the Messages app more seriously — and just in time for RCS to roll out for iOS devices, potentially giving the Google Messages app on Android a boost over third party solutions like WhatsApp.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary purpose of this new security feature in Google Messages?
What is the primary purpose of this new security feature in Google Messages?
The feature is designed to make users pause and consider potential risks before tapping on links sent by unknown contacts. It aims to reduce the likelihood of users inadvertently clicking on malicious or spam content.
Q.How will the new warning system function when a user receives a suspicious link?
How will the new warning system function when a user receives a suspicious link?
If a user tries to tap a link from an unknown number, a pop-up warning will appear stating the sender is not a contact. To proceed, the user must acknowledge risks and explicitly choose to continue.
Q.Does Google Messages currently have any link warning systems in place?
Does Google Messages currently have any link warning systems in place?
Yes, Google Messages already incorporates some link warnings. However, the new feature described in the article is presented as a more robust system, adding more friction to prevent automatic clicks.
Q.When can users expect to see this new feature implemented in Google Messages?
When can users expect to see this new feature implemented in Google Messages?
The feature was discovered in a beta version of Google Messages, indicating it will likely roll out to testers first. There is no specific timeline mentioned for its wider release to the main app.