Gmail improves spam filter with neural network, sender tools
Gmail product manager Sri Harsha Somanchi has outlined some new steps the free email service is taking to try to improve its spam detection on the official Gmail blog. First, Google is deploying a new service, Gmail Postmaster Tools, which allows "qualified high-volume senders" to analyze what they send and how it's treated. Senders will be able to see data on sending errors, spam reports, and their reputations. (If this sounds familiar, Microsoft offers a similar service for bulk senders in the form of Smart Network Data Services, or SNDS.)
Interestingly, Google claims to have implemented ideas from its Google Search and Google Now services to improve its machine learning processes for spam detection. The spam filter now employs an artificial neural network to help identify what the company calls "especially sneaky" spam that might otherwise appear to be legitimate mail. The neural network should also help detect ...