Google announced on Tuesday that Android is launching fake call detection to protect against AI deepfake impersonation scams. The feature is rolling out globally in Phone by Google to Android 12+ devices this month, starting with Pixel devices. As people increasingly refuse to answer calls from unknown numbers, scammers are shifting their tactics by spoofing trusted phone numbers and using AI deepfake technology to sound like authority figures, family members, or employers.
The new feature is on by default and works automatically behind the scenes. Google explains that the new feature works kind of like a 'digital handshake between devices.' When a contact calls you, and you’re both using Phone by Google, their phone sends a silent confirmation signal to your device to verify the call is legitimate and actually coming from their phone. 'If a scammer tries to impersonate your trusted contact, that initial confirmation signal will be missing,' Google explained 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.'
Google notes that it built this feature on top of Rich Communication Services (RCS), making it possible for other apps and companies to adopt the technology. The launch of fake call detection was announced alongside other updates from Android, including a new Google Photos feature that lets users mix and match outfits and try them on virtually.
Source: techcrunch