Google is stepping up its game against online scams. On May 8, the tech giant rolled out a suite of AI-driven safety tools that integrate its on-device large language model, Gemini Nano, right into Chrome’s Enhanced Protection mode. This means that when you browse on desktop, the browser can now analyse sites in real time and flag threats—like those pesky tech support scams with disruptive pop-ups and full-screen takeovers.
But it doesn’t stop there. For Android users, Chrome now delivers AI-powered alerts for suspicious notifications, giving you a quick way to unsubscribe or review content that just doesn’t feel right. And if you’ve ever struggled with scam texts or spam calls, you’ll appreciate that Google already has on-device scam detection working across SMS, MMS, RCS messages, and voice calls since March. All of these measures work locally on your device, keeping your data private while you stay safer online.
What really stands out is the tangible progress. Google’s new approach has blocked scam websites at a rate twenty times higher than three years ago, thanks to its improved detection of coordinated scam networks and support for multiple languages. Even more reassuring is the reported 70% drop in scams that mimic official resources like government services, thanks to upgraded protections introduced in 2024.
These updates are part of Alphabet’s broader strategy to embed AI throughout its services—from search and productivity tools to cloud innovations. In essence, while Google continues to push the envelope in technology, it’s also making sure that you’re protected right from the moment a scam attempts to reach your screen.
