Google announced new AI-driven tools on Thursday to combat online scams on Chrome, Search, and Android. The company is rolling out Gemini Nano, its on-device large language model (LLM), to improve Safe Browsing in Chrome 137 on desktops. This model analyzes websites in real-time, helping detect new scams more quickly.
The system is already tackling remote tech support scams by identifying suspicious signals, like the use of the keyboard lock API. Google plans to expand the AI’s capabilities to detect other scams, including those related to package tracking and unpaid tolls, with an update coming to Chrome for Android later this year.
In addition, Google’s enhanced AI-powered scam detection now blocks 20 times more deceptive pages, reducing scams impersonating airline and government services by over 70% and 80%, respectively, in 2024.
A new feature for Chrome on Android will warn users about potentially deceptive notifications from malicious websites. The warning includes the website’s name and a prompt to unsubscribe or view the content.
These updates follow similar AI-powered tools introduced for the Messages app and scam call detection. Google is also preparing an Advanced Protection feature for Android 16, with enhanced security features like Theft Detection Lock and spam protection.
