Google uses AI to detect scams right on Chrome

There are so many scams going on right now. From emails to websites to seemingly harmless phone calls. Being vigilant is key, but you don't have to fight alone. Big tech companies are joining forces with users to fight scams.

Google is testing a new feature that uses AI to help users avoid scams – at least when you're using Google Chrome.

Google equips AI to detect scams right in Chrome

According to researcher Leopeva64, Google is testing a new feature called "Client Side Detection Brand and Intent for Scam Detection." While the name doesn't sound like much about AI, the description says it all: the feature uses an on-device large language model (LLM) to check websites for signs of scams.

LLM stands for large language model, which powers many of the AI-powered programs and services you use, and it looks like this feature uses that AI model to look for websites that appear to be scams.

Specifically, this feature will focus on:

1. Brand Spoofing: Detects websites that impersonate well-known brands to scam.
2. Shady Intentions: Look for telltale signs of a scam or phishing scam.

To clarify, Leopeva asked Gemini to analyze the feature, and the results look pretty reasonable. If true, the AI ​​in Chrome will be an extremely useful 'assistant' to keep you away from online traps.

This feature is currently being tested on Chrome Canary, the experimental version of Chrome for new features. While it's not clear if it's live yet, you can enable it by:

1. Open Chrome Canary .
2. Go to chrome://flags in the address bar.
3. Search for " client-side-detection-brand-and-page-intent " (no parentheses needed).
4. Select " Enabled " in the drop-down menu.
5. Restart Chrome

Google isn't alone, Microsoft Edge is also testing a similar feature. It's called "scareware blocker," with a much clearer description: "Allows Microsoft to use AI to detect potential technology scams."

It's good news for users that leading browsers are starting to use AI to prevent scams. But remember, no matter how advanced the technology, your own vigilance is still the first and most important line of defense. Don't click randomly and always double-check everything before making a decision.

David Pac

Update 22 December 2024