For creators and makers navigating the digital landscape, the rise of synthetic media means your voice and likeness are now vulnerable targets for fraud. Google is responding by rolling out a new fake call detection system on Android designed to block AI deepfake impersonation scams before they can trick users into handing over money. The update arrives in Phone by Google for Android 12 and newer devices, beginning with the Pixel line, and is active globally.
As users grow wary of unknown callers, scammers have adapted by spoofing trusted numbers and leveraging artificial intelligence to mimic authority figures, relatives, or bosses. A common tactic involves a call displaying a familiar name like “Mom,” accompanied by a voice that sounds identical to the real person, yet demands funds for a fabricated emergency.
How the verification works
The new detection tool operates silently in the background by default. Google describes the mechanism as a “digital handshake between devices.” When a contact calls you and both parties use Phone by Google, their handset sends a silent confirmation signal to verify the call is genuine.
“If a scammer tries to impersonate your trusted contact, that initial confirmation signal will be missing. 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 tech giant confirmed this system relies on Rich Communication Services (RCS), which allows other applications and organisations to integrate similar verification capabilities.
Other Android updates
The announcement coincided with several other enhancements to the Android ecosystem:
- Google Photos wardrobe feature: A new tool lets users virtually try on outfits by cataloguing clothes from their photo library. This functionality will launch next week for eligible users in the U.S., India, and Brazil running Android 10 or higher.
- Google Play Books “Catch me up”: This update enables users to jump back into a story with a recap or highlight a passage to ask questions. It is rolling out today for select English titles.
- Circle to Search: The existing feature now allows users to search for entire outfits simultaneously, removing the need to query individual items. This update is available on all Android 14+ devices with Circle to Search enabled.
Key takeaways
- Google’s new fake call detection automatically verifies incoming calls via a silent “handshake” signal between compatible devices to expose AI impersonation attempts.
- The system leverages the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol, potentially opening the door for other apps to adopt similar fraud prevention measures.
- While security is the primary focus here, the broader Android update also introduces significant creative tools for fashion and literature, including virtual try-ons and interactive book summaries.
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