Google Boosts Chrome Security with On-Device AI
Google’s new Chrome update uses Gemini Nano AI to catch scams in real time, with added protection for Android notifications.
Google has spent the past few years expanding its security tools, from scam call detection in Google Messages to live threat warnings in Google Phone. Its latest focus is Chrome, with a new AI update designed to strengthen defences against online scams.
At the centre of this rollout is Gemini Nano, an on-device large language model (LLM) now integrated into Chrome’s Enhanced Protection mode. Announced in mid-2024, Gemini Nano is built to run directly on users' devices, providing local AI processing without needing cloud servers. It’s part of Google’s broader Gemini AI suite but streamlined for smartphones and desktops.
In practice, Gemini Nano scans and interprets website content in real time, helping to detect scam sites, including ones that haven’t been previously identified by recognising patterns such as fake support pages or phishing attempts. According to Google, this offers Enhanced Protection users an additional layer of real-time defence.
On Android, the update also introduces safeguards against malicious push notifications. Chrome’s machine learning model will now review website notifications and alert users when something appears suspicious, with the option to block or unsubscribe on the spot.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
These updates build on Google’s earlier AI initiatives. The company reports that its systems now identify 20 times more scammy pages than before, and it has reduced fake airline customer service scams in Search by over 80%. The timing aligns with broader competition in AI-driven security, as companies like Microsoft are also advancing protections across their platforms.
For users, the changes mean scam protection is becoming more automated and proactive within Chrome’s existing framework. And as Google continues to face pressure from regulators and rivals, these security updates suggest a focus on maintaining trust and reinforcing its position in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
With Gemini Nano’s addition, Chrome’s security is shifting toward a more AI-driven model, one that could influence how other browsers approach scam prevention moving forward.
