Google Messages users in India are reportedly drowning in ads

Images: Ishan Agarwal

There are a lot of ads within the default messaging app for the Indian users of Google Messages. Users are reporting being sent multiple ads a day, even if they enable the app's Spam Protection feature, and blocking and reporting the offending accounts doesn't appear to prevent ads from different companies appearing. Personal loans, gambling companies, and life insurance are some of the worst offenders.

Companies appear to be abusing an RCS feature designed to let businesses contact their customers with rich, interactive media. Customers can be sent QR-code tickets, or made online orders, according to an example on the site. Some accounts that are identified as "verified business" are sending users in India a lot of ads.

It is unclear how widespread the issue is, but Indian-based Ishan Agarwal, who has drawn attention to the issue with his recent social media posts, tells The Verge that the problem has been growing worse over the course of the next few years. The problem has been around for about a year, and it appears that most of the complaints are from users in India.

Although blocking and reporting accounts prevents specific companies from continuing to send you junk mail, the only way to stop receiving ads is to stop using Messages. It's a pretty damning measure to have to take, considering how hard it's been pushed by the company.

The Verge asked for comment from the company, but they did not reply.