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This AI-driven feature works in real-time, aiming to recognize and warn users about deceptive "tech support" scams as soon as they click on a suspicious site.
Gemini Nano AI Now Runs on Devices for Real-Time Scanning
The Gemini Nano AI model now powers Chrome's enhanced protection mode. It scans pages in real-time as users access them, detecting potential threats that might escape traditional scanning tools. This approach is especially effective against "cloaking," where scam pages appear normal to search engines but show malicious content to users.
Because the AI works on the device, it provides faster response times and improves privacy, according to the Chrome product team. As with earlier protection features, users will receive a warning before entering a site identified as suspicious, giving them the option to turn back or proceed.
Protecting Android Users and Improving Search Results
For Android users, Chrome will now offer warnings about suspicious website notifications and allow users to automatically unsubscribe—provided they have Chrome's website notification settings enabled.
Google is also enhancing scam detection in its Search results. AI-powered systems introduced three years ago now block 20 times more harmful pages than before. In 2024 alone, hundreds of millions of scam results are being filtered out each day thanks to these improvements.
The AI systems are particularly good at spotting fake "customer service" pages or contact numbers, including those for airline companies. As a result, scam attacks linked to airline-related searches have dropped by 80%.
Scammers and Tech Companies Compete in an Evolving Game
As AI helps fraudsters create more realistic scams, tech companies are also stepping up with smarter tools. Experts describe this as an ongoing battle where both sides evolve constantly. The advantage now lies with those using AI more proactively to protect users.
Globally, online scams caused losses exceeding $1 trillion last year. To fight back, Google is part of a broader movement using AI to limit the reach of these scams.
AI Adoption Expands Beyond Google
Google isn't alone in using AI to counter scams. A British mobile network has developed a chatbot named "Daisy" to waste scammers' time. Meanwhile, a large software company is testing an AI tool to analyze phone calls for signs of fraud. Even government agencies have turned to AI—one reported recovering $1 billion in check fraud using AI in fiscal 2024.
With rising threats and smarter fraud tactics, tech companies and governments alike are turning to AI not just to catch up—but to stay ahead.
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