In an age where online scams are more sophisticated and widespread than ever, Google has announced new efforts to fight back—this time with artificial intelligence that runs directly on users’ devices.

The tech giant says it is now using a version of its Gemini AI model, called Gemini Nano, to scan web pages in real time on its Chrome browser, warning users when they click on potentially scammy sites—particularly those posing as tech support or fake antivirus alerts. The feature is currently active for users with Chrome’s Enhanced Safe Browsing mode turned on.

The AI-driven protection is designed to catch threats that traditional methods miss, especially those using a tactic known as cloaking—where malicious pages appear differently to security scanners than they do to real users. Because Gemini Nano runs locally on the user’s device, it not only responds faster but also helps preserve user privacy.

AI Joins the Front Lines Against Global Scam Surge

The move comes amid an alarming surge in digital fraud. In 2024, victims globally lost over $1 trillion to scams, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. With AI being used by scammers to mass-produce convincing fake content, companies like Google are now fighting fire with fire.

“Fighting scammers has always been a game of adaptation,” said Phiroze Parakh, a senior director of engineering at Google. “Now, both sides are using AI—it’s about who uses it better.”

Google says AI is already helping it detect and block scam websites 20 times more effectively than before. On its Search platform, hundreds of millions of scammy results are now removed daily. Airline-related scams, including fake customer service numbers and booking sites, have dropped by 80% thanks to AI interventions.

Android Users Get New Protections

In addition to browser protections, Android users will now receive real-time alerts if scammy sites try to send suspicious notifications via Chrome—and will be able to instantly unsubscribe from them.

These updates are part of a wider shift in how major tech firms are responding to online fraud. Across the tech sector, AI tools are being developed to disrupt scams at scale. In the UK, telecom company O2 uses a chatbot called Daisy to engage scammers and waste their time. In the U.S., the Treasury Department credited AI with helping to recover $1 billion in check fraud during fiscal 2024.

As scammers continue to evolve their tactics, Google’s message is clear: AI isn’t just powering new products—it’s now guarding the front door.


By WafricNews Desk.