Google messages are introducing new privacy settings for its Profile Discovery feature. The feature will help users to control how their profile (name and photo) is visible to others in messaging conversations. This feature links a user’s profile to their phone number or email and displays it in chats, similar to how WhatsApp handles profiles.
With more companies moving away from their proprietary messaging apps in favor of Google Messages, it’s crucial for the app to evolve and meet the diverse needs and expectations of a broader user base.
Launched in November 2023, the Profile Discovery feature enables users to find your Google profile by searching your phone number. This feature aims to enhance connectivity and communication but has raised privacy concerns among users regarding the visibility of their personal information.
The update aims to make it easier to identify message senders, particularly in group chats with unsaved contacts. Google has just released a new beta version of Google Messages (v20241010) with three updated privacy settings for its Profile Discovery feature. These settings, allow users to have greater control over who can view their name and profile picture when using Google Messages. The three settings include:
The Settings include:
- People you message: This makes your profile public to anyone you’ve messaged, meaning that if someone has your phone number, they can see your name and profile picture.
- Only your contacts: With this setting, only people saved in your contact list will be able to view your profile, adding a layer of privacy by limiting visibility to familiar contacts.
- No one: This option hides your profile entirely, preventing anyone from seeing your name or photo, even if they search for your number.
Google has yet to confirm whether selecting “No one” will entirely disable Profile Discovery, but the new privacy options are designed to enhance profile privacy. Notably, users cannot set different names or photos for Google Messages; it continues to pull from their Google account, similar to Gmail.
Google is actively addressing privacy concerns associated with this feature. These developments aim to enhance user confidence and satisfaction as Google Messages continues to expand its capabilities.