Google is introducing a pioneering security feature in Chrome that uses its integrated large language model, Gemini Nano, to fight tech support scams in real time. The new system will detect and block counterfeit sites that try to trick users into believing that their devices have viruses or other serious problems.
Tech support scams most often appear as full-screen browser notifications or continuous pop-ups that are hard to close. They aim to intimidate victims into calling a given number, which most often results in unwanted purchases of remote support services or, even worse, unauthorized access to individual devices—causing possible financial loss or theft of data.
With the next Chrome 137 release, expected next week, Google will incorporate AI-driven anti-scam functionality within the browser itself. The addition will function in Chrome's 'Enhanced Protection' mode, providing quicker, more privacy-respectful defense tools by scanning web pages locally on the user's device.
As told by Google, Gemini Nano's analysis for scam indicators like imposter virus messages or full-screen lockouts—a hallmarks move of tech support scams—is done by the AI offline so that no privacy-sensitive browsing information is ever transmitted away from the user's device except in the event a scam is indicated. In the event of a positive match, Chrome forwards the AI result together with any site metadata to Google's Safe Browsing service for further analysis.
Source: Google
If the webpage is determined to be malicious, Chrome will alert the user automatically, blocking a possible exploitation. Google highlighted the fact that the new system has been developed so that it optimizes protection in balance with performance and privacy. "This is all done in a way that preserves performance and privacy," noted the company as part of the announcement.
Google explained that Gemini Nano's rollout is tightly managed: the AI only kicks in under certain conditions, executes processes asynchronously to not interfere with browsing activity, and features protections such as throttling and GPU quota enforcement to control resource utilization effectively.
The feature will be turned on by default for all users who upgrade to Chrome 137 and have enabled 'Enhanced Protection' in the browser's Safe Browsing settings.
Looking forward, Google will expand the system's ability to detect other types of scams, including package delivery scam notifications and toll payment scams. Chrome for Android users will also be able to enjoy these protections sometime in 2025.
This development reflects Google's dedication to making online safety stronger with cutting-edge AI technology, making users feel more confident and in control when surfing the web.
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