Google Introduces Gemini to Identify Scams During Phone Calls

For several years, mobile carriers have relied on call-blocking lists to notify users about potential spam and scam calls. However, these systems are not infallible. What happens after a user answers such a call? During the Google I/O 2024 developer conference on Tuesday, Google unveiled an innovative feature designed to alert users to potential scams in real-time during calls.

This upcoming feature, integrated into a future Android version, leverages Gemini Nano, the compact iteration of Google’s generative AI, which operates entirely on-device. The intelligent system listens for “conversation patterns typically associated with scams” as calls happen.

For instance, Google cited a scenario where someone impersonates a "bank representative." Common scam tactics, such as requests for passwords or gift card transactions, will also trigger this alert system. Although many are aware of these deceptive methods aimed at extracting money, numerous individuals remain vulnerable to such scams. When a potential scam is detected, a notification will alert the user that they may be dealing with unscrupulous individuals.

While no specific release date for this feature has been announced, Google showcased its future capabilities using Gemini Nano. Importantly, users will have the option to opt in to this feature.

This opt-in approach is beneficial. Although Gemini Nano ensures that the system does not automatically upload data to the cloud, it does mean the feature actively monitors conversations. This aspect raises privacy concerns among advocates.

Yet, the opt-in nature could also result in some of the individuals who most need this scam detection feature not opting to enable it.

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