Google Messages could soon block itself from being displayed while screen sharing

Google Messages could soon block itself from being displayed while screen sharing،

Google Messages is testing a new security feature that prevents users from accessing the app when it detects screen sharing. This helps prevent fraudsters from spying on private conversations and security codes. Some people worry that this feature could backfire by preventing legitimate use cases.

As spotted by TheSpAndroid, Google is currently experimenting with a new feature in Google Messages that blocks the app from displaying when it detects a screen sharing session in progress. This could be useful, and likely a security measure, to prevent sensitive information from being shown to malicious actors.

Scammers often use screen sharing apps to trick users into revealing their personal information. For example, a scammer might pose as a customer service representative and ask the user to share their screen so they can help them resolve a problem. Once the scammer gains access to the user’s screen, they can steal their personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or unique verification codes in two steps. A security feature like this could be a way to protect users from these types of scams. By blocking access to Google Messages when screen sharing is detected, Google can help prevent users from accidentally revealing their private information to scammers.

However, some people are concerned that this new feature could backfire by preventing legitimate use cases. For example, if a user tries to share their screen with a friend or colleague, their access to Google Messages may be blocked.

Credit – TheSPAndroid

In this deployment, which appears to be limited to a small number of users (possibly as an a/b test), what appears when trying to share your screen while the Google Messages app is open is a window pop-up saying “You are sharing your screen with someone. If you don’t know this person, stop sharing immediately. Google has hidden your sensitive content for security reasons. Meanwhile, while the app continues to work in background and notifications continue to arrive, the rest of the app is hidden and the pop-up cannot be closed while you are still screen sharing.

However, in its current state, it does not appear that the feature’s implementation has been fully tested in all possible scenarios. For example, TheSPAndroid noted in its post that when receiving a Messages notification, one could still tap the notification and view the message, even while screen sharing. Of course, that would defeat the whole problem.

As someone who once had to log into a loved one’s phone to troubleshoot issues using screen sharing, I can see how a feature like this could be very restrictive. However, on the other hand, I’m glad Google is looking for and implementing ways to protect unsuspecting users from themselves and from the harm a scammer could cause if they accessed a person’s messages .