The digital world is full of opportunities, but it’s also become a breeding ground for scams. Whether it’s through fake customer service calls, phishing emails or fraudulent ads, online fraudsters have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.
But Google is stepping up its game with AI-powered tools to tackle these threats head-on. From Search to Chrome to Android, here’s how the tech giant is using artificial intelligence to safeguard its users.
A Smarter, Safer Search Experience
Google’s search engine has long been a trusted resource. Its role in fighting online scams is growing, as every day millions of users rely on Search to find information. Google has started using AI to detect and block harmful sites before they even appear in search results.
This AI-driven system looks for red flags like fake promotions, misleading links, and impersonation schemes. And its set to learn continuously to recognize evolving scam tactics.
For example, Google has cracked down on scams where fraudsters impersonate airline customer service teams, a strategy that had tricked countless unsuspecting travelers. According to Google, with AI these fake pages have been reduced by over 80%, making the web a safer place to explore.
Chrome Gets an Upgrade: AI-Powered Protection Built Right Into Your Browser
If you use Chrome, your browsing just got a whole lot safer. Google’s latest move involves integrating an advanced AI model called Gemini Nano directly into the browser. What makes Gemini Nano so powerful is that it works right on your device, providing real-time protection against phishing sites, shady ads, and other scams. This means you’re protected even when Google hasn’t had the chance to update its central databases with the latest threats.
One of the best features of this upgrade is the Enhanced Protection mode, which delivers the highest level of security for Chrome users. It’s particularly effective at catching scams that rely on tricking users into handing over personal information, such as fake tech support offers. The AI’s ability to flag risky sites on-the-spot helps users avoid falling into these traps, even if they haven’t encountered these scams before.
Stopping Spammy Notifications: A New Defense for Mobile Browsing
If you’ve ever been bombarded with pop-up notifications or spam messages from websites, you know how annoying and potentially dangerous they can be. Google has recognized this as a growing threat and has rolled out an AI-powered solution in Chrome for Android.
Now, when a website sends you suspicious notifications, Chrome’s on-device AI will step in to warn you. You’ll see a notification telling you that something’s off—whether it’s spam, a scam, or simply a misleading message. You’ll be able to either unsubscribe or choose to view the content. This extra layer of defense not only stops annoying alerts but also prevents potentially harmful interactions with fraudulent sites.
Protecting You from Scams in Your Inbox and Over the Phone
It’s not just websites that pose a threat. Scammers often use phone calls and text messages to steal personal information, and these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fortunately, Google’s Phone and Messages apps now come equipped with AI-powered Scam Detection. This technology analyzes incoming calls and texts to flag suspicious activity, whether it’s a spammy robo-call or a phishing text disguised as a package delivery notification.
Google’s AI doesn’t just notify you about potential scams; it gives you actionable options. You can report the call as spam or block the number altogether.
With constant improvements, Google’s AI tools can adapt to new scams and block them before they gain traction.
From blocking fraudulent sites on Search to catching phishing messages on your phone, these new advancements helps users enjoy a safer and more secure online experience, whether they’re browsing the web, searching for information, or communicating with others.
Learn more about how Google is using AI for security and safety across their apps, devices and services on their blog.
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