Google Pixel phones in India will now detect spam calls and messages using AI
Google is rolling out real-time, AI-powered scam detection feature on Pixel phones in India, aimed at protecting users from the growing threat of cyber fraud. This feature will alert users about potential scam calls by completely analyzing conversations on the device.
Google has announced the rollout of its real-time scam detection feature powered by Gemini Nano for Pixel smartphones in India. The feature aims to protect users from the growing threat of scam calls in the country and help them detect suspicious conversations before they become victims. The new feature was announced today at the company’s ‘Safe and Trusted AI’ program, which addresses the growing concerns over fraudulent phone activity targeting individuals across India.
Google launches this new real-time scam detection feature at a time when online and phone-based fraud has become one of the biggest consumer threats in the country, especially for children, teens and elderly users who are regularly targeted by scammers. Over the past few years, cases of digital arrest fraud, phishing, impersonation scams and more have increased rapidly.
How AI-powered call scam detection works
Google’s new real-time scam detection feature for Pixel phones will harness the power of Gemini Nano AI to analyze calls on the device. The new AI tool will analyze calls coming from unknown numbers and alert users if the conversation shows signs of fraud. Google notes that this feature will be turned off by default, giving users complete control over when they want to enable it. A subtle beep during the call will notify both parties if the feature is active and users can turn it off at any time.
Additionally, the company also ensures that the real-time call detection feature will not record audio or send transcripts to Google, keeping user data private. The feature is said to be designed to help users, especially vulnerable groups like children, teenagers and the elderly, who are disproportionately targeted by scammers.
More privacy-focused security
Along with detecting scam calls, Google has also introduced another security feature to prevent financial frauds during live interactions. Pixel phones will now display a warning if a user is sharing their screen and opens apps like Google Pay, Navi, or Paytm while talking to an unknown caller. With scams involving UPI and banking apps on the rise, Google says this friction-free alert, which will allow users to end a call or stop screen sharing with a single tap, could help break down real-time social engineering efforts.
Google assures users that although these protections are powered by AI, both features run entirely on the device, significantly reducing the risk of external threats and ensuring that sensitive data remains private. The company says these efforts reflect its broader commitment to strengthening digital security for all users, especially vulnerable groups in India’s rapidly growing online ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Google is also working on Enhanced Phone Number Verification (EPNV), a secure sign-in technology designed to replace SMS-based OTP with SIM-based verification done directly on the device. The system works over both Wi-Fi and mobile data and aims to tackle OTP-related fraud, another widespread threat in India.
