On May 8, Google introduced a new set of AI-driven safety features across its platforms to help keep users safe from a growing variety of scams.
The tech giant has integrated its on-device large language model (LLM), Gemini Nano into Chrome’s Enhanced Protection mode on desktop. This model analyzes websites in real-time, detecting and alerting users about threats like tech support scams that use annoying pop-ups and full-screen takeovers. Because it processes information on-device, Chrome can catch sites that hide their true nature from regular web crawlers.
On Android devices, Chrome is now equipped with AI-powered notifications. If a notification seems suspicious, users receive a warning with options to unsubscribe or view the blocked content. Users also have the choice to dismiss the alert if they believe it’s a mistake.
Google Messages and Phone by Google have been rolling out on-device Scam Detection for texts and calls since March. These tools identify scam-like behavior in SMS, MMS, RCS messages, and voice calls, alerting users promptly. Google emphasizes that all processing happens locally, safeguarding user privacy.
With its latest update, Google’s defenses have significantly advanced. The company reports that its AI now blocks 20 times more scam websites than it did three years ago. This improvement is attributed to enhanced detection of coordinated scam networks and support for multiple languages. Additionally, Google has witnessed a surge in deceptive pages posing as official resources, including government services. In 2024, new measures were introduced that reduced scams impersonating official sites by over 70%.
At PYMNTS, we’ve been monitoring Alphabet’s broader AI strategy, which includes integrating Gemini into Search and productivity tools and expanding its cloud offerings. These updates reflect how Google is leveraging AI not only for innovation, but also as a protective barrier for its users and brand.
By weaving AI protections directly into its services, Google aims to prevent scams before users even have a chance to fall for them.
