Google has introduced a feature for Android that targets one of the most sophisticated scams today: phone calls where criminals use artificial intelligence to clone voices and deceive victims. The tool is set to roll out globally in June 2026, with Brazil included in the launch. It operates through the free application “Google Phone,” which users must install and set as the default calling app on their device. Once configured, the phone will manage all calls via the search giant’s software instead of the native app. The feature is available for devices running Android 12 or higher.
Silent Verification and User Requirements
When two people both use the “Google Phone” app, their smartphones automatically exchange a silent verification signal during a call. This exchange happens without any awareness from the participants, functioning as an invisible security protocol. If the confirmation fails—indicating the other caller is not using the same app—the system can display an alert on the recipient’s screen. However, Google has not detailed how the app behaves when the other party uses the default phone app, another dialer, or even an iPhone. The company only stated that the protection is built on an open standard, enabling other manufacturers and developers to adopt the technology.
To benefit from the feature, users must install “Google Phone” and make it the default calling application. This means the native software from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, or Motorola will no longer be used for making or receiving calls. The functionality is restricted to devices with Android 12 or newer, excluding older models. Google also did not clarify whether the alert works for calls received from numbers that do not use the company’s app—a common real-world scenario. That omission raises questions about the tool’s practical effectiveness given the diversity of phone apps available.
Real-World Example: The AI-Cloned ‘Mom’ Call
One scenario Google cited to illustrate the danger involves a call labeled “Mom” on the phone display. When the victim answers, they hear a voice identical to their mother’s, but the call was actually placed by a criminal who used AI to mimic the familiar tone and timbre. The scammer then tries to convince the person to make an urgent bank transfer. With the new protection, if the real mother also uses “Google Phone,” the silent verification would occur. If not, an alert could appear, giving the user a chance to reject the suspicious call.
Open Standard Aims to Broaden Safety Net
The company said it developed the verification mechanism based on an open standard. This approach means other device manufacturers and app developers can potentially incorporate the same technology into their products, expanding the protective network. However, Google did not provide timelines or examples of partners interested in adopting the standard. The absence of concrete commitments leaves it unclear whether the industry will embrace the initiative or if it will remain confined to the company’s ecosystem.
Availability in Brazil and Next Steps
The global launch is scheduled for June 2026, and Brazil is included among the countries receiving the functionality. To access it, users must download the “Google Phone” app from the Play Store and set it as default. The company did not specify whether activation will be automatic or require manual adjustment. Nor did it indicate if the feature will be immediately available in all languages and regions within the country. The expectation is that the novelty will arrive gradually through an app update.