Google has announced the implementation of new AI-powered security measures in the Chrome browser to combat online scams. The company aims to protect users from fraudulent websites by utilizing Gemini Nano, an on-device large language model (LLM). Additionally, Chrome for Android is introducing AI-powered warning systems to combat spam notifications.
According to Google, Chrome’s Enhanced Protection mode offers twice the security against phishing and other online threats compared to Standard Protection. Now, Gemini Nano adds an extra layer of defense for Enhanced Protection users.
Because Gemini Nano operates directly on the device, it allows Google to instantly inform users about rapidly evolving and newly emerging scam tactics. This technology is already being used to prevent scams that pose as remote tech support and will soon be extended to Android devices and more scam types.
On Chrome for Android, a new alert system will now warn users when potentially deceptive or harmful notifications are detected from suspicious websites. Once Chrome’s on-device machine learning algorithm flags a notification as a potential scam, users will receive a warning. They can then choose to unsubscribe or view the blocked content. If the warning seems incorrect, users can opt to allow all future notifications from that site.
In addition, Google shared that it uses AI in its Search engine to detect and block hundreds of millions of scammy results daily. The company claims these advanced systems have enabled it to detect 20 times more fraudulent pages.
One of the main threats has been scammers impersonating airline customer service agents. Google has focused on reducing these scams and reports an 80% drop in users encountering fake phone numbers in Search results.
These innovations reflect Google’s commitment to user safety and the growing role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.
