Google Boosts Security with AI-Driven Scam Detection for Chrome, Search, and Android
Image Credit: Daniel Romero | Splash
Google announced new AI-powered security enhancements for Chrome, Google Search, and Android on May 8, 2025. Leveraging its Gemini Nano AI model, these features aim to protect users from online scams and phone-based fraud through real-time detection.
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Gemini Nano’s Role in Scam Detection
The Gemini Nano AI model, a lightweight large language model, is embedded in Chrome’s Enhanced Protection mode and Android devices to identify malicious websites. Operating on-device, it analyzes website structures and content to flag suspicious pages, including previously unknown scams. Google reports that this technology detects 20 times more malicious pages, achieving an 80% reduction in scams impersonating airline customer service and government services, such as visa or toll websites, in 2024. In recent Chrome versions, users receive instant alerts about fraudulent sites like tech support scams or spammy pop-ups, enhancing safety on desktop and Android platforms. On-device processing ensures rapid responses and preserves user privacy by keeping data local.
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Android’s Protections Against Phone-Based Fraud
Android’s new AI-driven features target phone-based scams by blocking unauthorized app installations or permission changes during suspicious calls. For example, if a scammer posing as a bank representative instructs a user to install an app, the system can pause the action and warn the user. These protections build on Google’s existing AI-based call screening capabilities. Android is also testing AI warnings for spammy notifications from websites accessed via Chrome to curb pop-up scams. These measures tackle sophisticated fraud tactics, providing proactive defense for mobile users.
Google Search’s Anti-Scam Filters
Google Search uses AI algorithms to filter out fraudulent results, reducing exposure to deceptive websites in queries for customer service or government services. These systems block numerous scam-related results daily, ensuring safer search experiences. This protection is critical for users seeking legitimate information, particularly those vulnerable to impersonation fraud.
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Enabling Enhanced Protection in Chrome
To activate Chrome’s AI-driven scam detection, users on Windows and Mac can enable Enhanced Safe Browsing in the browser’s settings. To do this, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select Settings. Then, navigate to Privacy and Security > Security and choose Enhanced Protection. This setting enables real-time threat detection, providing proactive warnings for malicious sites, phishing attempts, and harmful downloads.
For iPhone, open the Chrome app, tap the three-dot menu in the bottom-right corner, select Settings, tap Privacy and Security, then Safe Browsing, and choose Enhanced Protection. On Android, open the Chrome app, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, select Settings, tap Privacy and Security, then Safe Browsing, and choose Enhanced Protection.
Users should ensure Chrome is updated to the latest version for optimal security. This setting activates Gemini Nano’s real-time website analysis, providing instant scam warnings.
Implications for User Safety
Gemini Nano’s on-device AI minimizes latency and enhances privacy by processing data locally, offering a seamless and secure user experience. The 20-fold increase in malicious page detection and 80% reduction in specific scams highlight the effectiveness of these protections. Positive user feedback on X underscores public appreciation, though effectiveness depends on enabling Enhanced Protection in Chrome and keeping Android devices updated. Google has not released data on user adoption rates or scam prevalence post-implementation, which could further clarify the features’ impact.
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Source: PYMNTS, LifeWire, 9to5Google, TechRadar, Google Support
