Google's new AI tool to combat phone scams: a closer look

At the developer conference Google I/O 2024, the tech giant introduced a new feature to warn users about potential phone scams during calls.

Google tirelessly works to stay abreast of the AI revolution. That's why, at this year's Google I/O conference, the American giant unveiled new, innovative uses of generative artificial intelligence. Among these innovations is the automatic detection of phone scams.

The new feature, set to be integrated into future versions of the Android system, leverages the smallest version of Google's generative AI—Gemini Nano. This technology works directly on the device and in real-time to analyze conversation patterns indicating a possible fraud attempt. The system kicks in, for instance, when someone impersonates a bank representative and requests passwords or gift cards—common tactics utilized by scammers. Upon detecting suspicious activity, the user receives a warning notification.

Understandably, "analyzing conversation patterns" might spark some privacy worries, as it involves monitoring our conversations as they happen. However, Google assures that Gemini Nanotechnology functions locally without transmitting data to the cloud. Moreover, this feature will be optional, allowing users to choose whether to engage. The real question is if this option will deter the individuals who could benefit from it the most.

Currently, there isn't a confirmed release date for this feature, suggesting that Google plans to refine the Gemini Nano technology further. Whether this is beneficial remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the initiative itself appears prudent, demonstrating the company's dedication to employing advanced artificial intelligence to heighten security and shield users from increasingly creative and perilous phone scams.