Google Messages is introducing an Unsubscribe button to tackle the ongoing issue of spam. By clicking this button, users can send a “STOP” message to the sender, effectively blocking unwanted texts. This feature is designed for RCS business messages and texts from short codes. Spam and unsolicited business messages have been persistent problems in Google Messages.
In early April, Google began testing the Unsubscribe button, which was initially only available in select countries and did not support RCS Business Messages. However, Google is now rolling out this feature to all users. The Unsubscribe button works by allowing users to send a “STOP” message to the sender when tapped. This should stop non-essential and marketing texts from that number, while still allowing important or requested messages from the business to be received.
If a business is unable to comply with the unsubscribe request, users will be directed to their account settings to manage notification preferences. For completely blocking a business, users must utilize the Block & report spam option. Users can find the Unsubscribe button in the 3-dot overflow menu in the top-right corner of the conversation window, or it may appear at the bottom of the chat. Currently, the Unsubscribe feature is available for RCS Business messages in countries like the United States, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
It also applies to SMS or MMS messages from short codes in the United States. Upon unsubscribing, users will be prompted to indicate their reason for unsubscribing, and this data will be shared as aggregate statistics with the carrier and sender. Despite these efforts, spam messages remain a significant challenge. Google must take further action against businesses that misuse RCS and improve spam filtering within Google Messages.
Strengthening these measures will benefit users and promote wider adoption of RCS messaging.
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