- Google -Messages Beta finally adds sensitive content warnings for some
- Live location was also teased by the in-app code
- There is no word about when the features will be rolled out to all
Google messages seem to receive a few new tools to make the service more useful and safer to use. And we are happy to try both when they have rolled out.
The first is that Google seems to add live location shared to its app. It is, according to Android Authority’s recent APK demolition.
You can currently share your location with another person via Google Maps, but it sends the information as a static Google Maps pin. If you move, you will have to resend your location, which can get together while you are out and about a challenge.
However, that seems to change as in the latest beta code a single string was discovered that refers to “Live_location_Sharing_Shortcut”.
Currently, the feature is not live, but the string suggests that Google is likely to experiment with live location that shares behind the scenes and could prepare to release the feature of a future beta.
As always, there is a chance that Google will never release live placement division, but here it hopes – and before rather than later, considering how useful it can be.
Sensitive content alerts in -depth
The second update is one that was announced back in February, but finally seems to be live for a few via the latest messages Beta: New sensitive content warnings (via 9to5Google).
They appear if a Google Message user sends or receives nude photos (if they have the option that is turned on), but for adults it is off by default. Meanwhile, accounts owned by people under the age of 18 will cause the feature to turn on by default.
Monitored accounts cannot reject the warnings from themselves (although parents can check the setting via the Family Link app), while non -monitored teens (users aged 13 to 17) can turn off the warnings in their Google account settings if they choose.
To change your settings, open Google messages on your Android device, tap your profile picture, and then tap Settings for Messages. Scroll down to find protection and security, and then manage sensitive content warnings and then be able to change warnings in Google messages to or off.
Google says these warnings are handled by AI on device (so “The” DO NOT send identifiable data or any of the classified content or results for Google servers “).
If the Android System Safetycore behind the feature thinks the image can contain nudity, a few things happen.
First, if the sender has the function on, they will be warned about the risk of sending nude pictures before being asked to confirm if they really want to send it. Similar warnings and confirmations appear if you try to share a nude photo with another person.
The recipient will then (if they have content warnings on) See a blurry image, warn about how nude pictures can be harmful, have the opportunity to delete the image before seeing it, the chance to block the number that sent the picture and the opportunity to see the picture if they choose.
When the feature finally begins to appear, it should not be long before more of us can rely on these AI-driven content warnings to help us stay safer online.
