GoKawiilGoogle faces backlash over self-promotional texts sent through Google Messages
Google has started sending automated texts to Google Messages users through the app's business chat feature, promoting new app features like RCS photo and video quality. The messages appear as a verified conversation from 'Google Messages' but only allow pre-set replies, not user responses. Users can opt out by declining a prompt that appears before the texts begin, or unsubscribe later if they've already accepted.
This move blurs the line between a core communications app and an advertising channel, raising concerns about how tech companies use trusted first-party messaging apps to push promotional content. It highlights a broader trend of platforms leveraging default apps for marketing without clear, upfront consent, prompting user pushback over unwanted notifications.
- Google is using Google Messages' business chat feature to send promotional texts about app updates.
- Messages appear as verified conversations but only support pre-written replies, not open dialogue.
- Users can decline or later unsubscribe from these messages through app settings.
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “I just got Google’s spammy Google Messages texts. Here’s how to turn them off”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.