Google Debuts Two New Android Anti-Scam Security Features in Singapore

Google is beefing up Android’s security to better safeguard Singaporeans against scams.

Credit: Reuters

The search engine giant announced today a phased pilot of two new Android security features that will be rolling out in Singapore first.

First, in partnership with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Google will soon allow you to block both SMS and RCS messages from unknown international numbers on the Messages app.

This new opt-in feature is expected to reduce your exposure to potential scam text messages, which have become common in Singapore.

In the first half of 2024 alone, there have already been more than 700 reported SMS scam cases, most of which were a result of scammers operating overseas.

You can find and enable the new feature under ‘Protection & Safety’ settings within Messages.

Second, Google is enhancing Google Play Protect (GPP) to prevent it from being disabled during active audio and video calls.

This change is meant to combat a common scam tactic where scammers trick you into disabling GPP during calls to bypass security measures and install malicious apps. It

“These two new features empower users to defend themselves and are critical steps in our ongoing commitment to enhancing security in the mobile ecosystem,” said Eugene Liderman, Director of Android Security Strategy. “Our collaboration with the Singapore government is invaluable, and we're constantly exploring new product innovations to better protect Singaporeans and give them greater peace of mind."

The two new security features will roll out to Android devices in Singapore in

the next few months.

Google said that these new safeguards are part of its ongoing efforts to protect Singaporeans from scams.

Previously, the company worked with the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore to develop an enhanced fraud protection feature on GPP, which has since blocked close to 1.3 million high-risk app installation attempts. The feature, piloted in Singapore, protects you against malware-enabled scams by automatically blocking the installation of suspicious apps.

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• Google announced a phased pilot of two new anti-scam Android security features that will be rolling out in Singapore first.

• The first feature allows you to block both SMS and RCS messages from unknown international numbers on the Messages app.

• The second is an enhancement to Google Play Protect (GPP), which prevents it from being disabled during active audio and video calls.