Google is introducing AI-driven countermeasures to combat online scams, leveraging Gemini Nano, its on-device large language model (LLM). This model will be implemented in Chrome 137 on desktops, providing immediate protection against new and unseen scams by analyzing risky websites directly on the device. By using Gemini Nano, Google aims to detect scam tactics more rapidly, offering an enhanced user experience in Safe Browsing on Chrome. This model analyzes web pages for specific scam indicators, such as suspicious use of the keyboard lock API, helping prevent remote tech support fraud.
In addition to safeguarding against tech support scams, Google plans to expand the AI feature to detect scams related to package tracking and unpaid tolls.
The technology works by running locally on users’ devices, ensuring minimal resource usage while maintaining a seamless browsing experience. It also incorporates throttling and quota enforcement mechanisms to manage GPU usage and prevent disruptions during browsing sessions.
This proactive, on-device security feature significantly enhances user safety against evolving online threats.
Google also improved its scam detection systems across other platforms, boosting the block rate of deceptive sites by 20 times. Specifically, it has reduced the presence of schemes impersonating airline services by over 80% and government-related scams by over 70%. With AI-based updates to search results, Google has made significant progress in filtering out fraudulent websites. In addition, the company is introducing a new notifications warning system for Chrome on Android, alerting users to potential scams or deceptive notifications sent by malicious sites.
These efforts are part of Google’s broader initiative to protect users from online fraud and increase transparency in web interactions. These features follow previous updates, including AI-powered scam detection in the Android Messages app and improvements to scam call detection. Google’s enhanced security framework, including the upcoming Android 16 features, focuses on increasing user control and blocking fraudulent activities.
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