Google Messages Developing Major Security Measure to Prevent Screen Sharing

Google Messages is reportedly testing a new feature to combat cybercrime by preventing screen sharing on Android smartphones. Messages is Google’s official messaging platform that utilizes Rich Communication Services (RCS) for SMS and MMS. To maintain user interest, Google consistently introduces new features. Recently, they added a forwarding feature that enables users to send a single message to multiple contacts simultaneously. Now, they are introducing a crucial security feature to protect against potential snooping on phones.

Google Messages update

According to a report by TheSpAndroid, a new feature was discovered in Google Messages that prevents apps from accessing it when screen sharing is enabled. If an attempt is made to share the screen, a notification will appear: “You are sharing your screen with someone – If you do not know this person, stop sharing immediately. Google has hidden your sensitive content for security.”

When screen sharing is on, the pop-up window cannot be dismissed. According to the report, users will have to stop screen sharing to access Google Messages. However, notifications are not affected and will appear as usual even if screen sharing is enabled. The report further reveals that the person who spotted the feature also opened a notification, which in turn opened the entire conversation, somewhat debunking the purpose of the rumored security feature.

Since it was spotted in the beta version of the app, it’s unknown if it will make it to the public version of Google Messages.

Other features

In August, it was reported that Google plans to bring a satellite-based SOS text message to its messaging app. If implemented, it is believed to be available in more than 150 countries, giving tough competition to Apple’s satellite-based SOS text message, which is only available in a handful of regions. The satellite text function will be available in Google Messages in cooperation with the US-based Garmin.