Now, use Truecaller like Spam protection features on Android Messages
What's the story
After rolling out 'call screening' to the Pixel flagships, Google is adding spam protection features to Android Messages. The capability, as the name suggests, is going to be a Truecaller-like protection feature, which would weed out unwanted messages from companies and other advertisers. However, as of now, it is only available for select users of the messaging app. Here's how you can use it.
Working
Will Google read your messages?
The feature has not been announced, but going by Google's support website for the feature that went live prematurely, it would send certain information about Messages to the tech giant. However, the site and the notification prompt introducing the feature clearly note that it won't send the contents of your messages, your mobile number or any information that may be used to identify you.
Information
Information like sender's contact likely to be used
Android Police, which first reported this feature, posits that it could mine information like sender's contact and compare it to a database to determine whether the number in question is spam or not. However, the exact detection mechanism has not been revealed.
Enabling protection
Here's how you can enable spam protection
In order to enable spam protection, you'll have to tap on the three-dotted menu on the upper right corner of Android Messages and head on the 'Settings' option. After that, tap on Advanced and 'Spam Protection' to enable the toggle of the protection feature. This will enable it and shield you against spam messages.
Information
Do note it is not available for everyone
Spam protection appears to be rolling with a server-side change and can be accessed on select devices at this stage. The roll-out appears gradual, but you should update Android Messages to check the notification for its availability. If not available, it will come soon.