If you’re using the Google Phone app, you’ll soon know why a business is calling before answering. On a new support page discovered by Android Police, the tech giant goes into detail about a feature called “Verified Calls.” Companies that choose to go through and pass the Google verification process will be able to send their phone number, their phone number, and the reason for their call to the dedicated verified call server, such as “Schedule your Internet installation” or “Delivery of foods”. Google will display all that information in the app on your phone.
The feature is turned on by default, but it won’t work if you haven’t added your phone number to your Google account. It also won’t work if you don’t have the Google Phone app, which is not yet compatible with many Android devices including Samsung phones. You can disable the feature if you always answer regardless of whether you know who is calling or not, or if you have privacy issues. However, Google says the feature does not “collect or store any personally identifiable information after verification”, and that the company deletes your phone number and the reason for the call from the Verified Calls server within minutes of verification.
