Google is stepping up its game to protect you from online scams with a significant upgrade to Chrome’s security features, announced on May 8, 2025. The tech giant is rolling out its AI-powered Gemini Nano model—a lightweight, on-device large language model (LLM)—to bolster Chrome’s defences against cyber threats. Whether browsing on your desktop or Android device, this new technology promises to make your online experience safer by tackling scams head-on. From blocking malicious notifications to fighting fake airline support scams, Gemini Nano is here to guard your digital life. Let’s dive into what this means for you, how it works, and how you can stay protected—plus, some tips to enhance your online safety!
What’s New with Chrome and Gemini Nano?
Google has integrated Gemini Nano into Chrome’s Enhanced Protection mode under Safe Browsing, which already offers double the protection against phishing compared to the Standard Protection mode. Initially launched on desktops, this feature is gradually rolling out to Android devices, ensuring broader user coverage. The goal? To catch scams in real-time, even ones that haven’t been seen before, by analysing websites directly on your device—no cloud connection needed.
Gemini Nano is already making waves by defending against remote tech support scams. In this common tactic, fraudsters pose as IT support to trick users into giving access to their devices. According to Google, this AI model will soon expand to tackle more scam types on Android, keeping you one step ahead of cybercriminals. Learn more about Safe Browsing settings on Chrome’s official support page: Google Chrome Help.
Smarter Protection Against Sneaky Notifications
One of the standout features of this update is how it handles malicious website notifications, especially on Android. Scammers often use push notifications to lure users back to fraudulent sites long after they’ve left the page. With Gemini Nano, Chrome’s on-device machine learning now flags these notifications as “Possible scam” if they’re deemed malicious, spammy, or misleading.
Here’s how it works for you:
- Instant Alerts: Chrome will warn you immediately when a suspicious notification pops up.
- User Control: You can unsubscribe from the notifications or view the blocked content if you think it’s safe.
- Feedback Loop: If you believe a site was flagged incorrectly, you can allow future notifications, giving you flexibility while staying secure.
This feature is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever been annoyed, or worse, scammed, by persistent notifications. Want to manage your Chrome notifications manually? Check out this guide: Manage Chrome Notifications.
Why Gemini Nano Is a Big Deal
What makes Gemini Nano so effective? It’s a lightweight LLM designed to run on-device, which processes data locally without sending sensitive information to the cloud. This ensures faster response times and better privacy. Google explains, “Gemini Nano’s ability to analyse the complex nature of websites helps us quickly adapt to new scam tactics.” Whether it’s a cleverly disguised phishing site or a new scam variant, this AI can spot red flags instantly, offering you protection even against threats that haven’t been catalogued yet.
For tech enthusiasts, Gemini Nano is part of Google’s broader AI strategy, built on the same tech that powers its Gemini family of models. It’s optimised for edge devices, balancing power and efficiency—perfect for real-time scam detection. Curious about the tech behind it? Explore Google’s AI blog for more: Google AI Blog.
Beyond Chrome: AI-Powered Safety in Google Search
Google isn’t stopping at Chrome. The company also shared how AI transforms safety across its ecosystem, especially in Google Search. Right now, Google’s AI systems block hundreds of millions of scam-related results daily, a 20-fold improvement in identifying fraudulent content compared to previous methods.
A key win? Tackling fake airline customer service scams. Fraudsters often impersonate airline support agents, tricking users into calling fake numbers that lead to financial loss. Google has slashed these scams by 80%, meaning you’re far less likely to stumble across a bogus support number when searching for help with your flight. Next time you need airline support, double-check the official website, like AirIndia.com, to avoid falling for fakes.
Why This Matters to You
Online scams are evolving faster than ever, and they’re not just a minor annoyance—they can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or worse. In India alone, cybercrime losses reached ₹1,750 crore in 2024, with phishing and tech support scams among the top threats (per the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal). Google’s latest update with Gemini Nano means:
- Real-Time Protection: No waiting for cloud updates—scams are caught on the spot.
- Privacy First: On-device processing keeps your browsing data safe.
- Adaptive Defence: The AI learns and adapts to new scam tactics, keeping you protected as threats evolve.
How to Stay Even Safer Online
While Gemini Nano is a powerful tool, staying safe online is a team effort. Here are some practical tips to complement Chrome’s new features:
- Enable Enhanced Protection: Go to Chrome’s settings, select “Privacy and Security,” and turn on Enhanced Protection mode for maximum safety.
- Be Wary of Notifications: If a website asks to send notifications, think twice—scammers often use this trick to keep you hooked.
- Verify Sources: Before sharing personal info, double-check the website’s URL. Look for “https” and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or messages.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2fa): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Learn how to set up 2fa: Google 2fa Guide.
- Stay Informed: Follow cybersecurity blogs like Krebs on Security for the latest scam trends and tips.
What’s Next for Google’s AI Defences?
Google has big plans for Gemini Nano. The company aims to expand its scam-fighting capabilities on Android, targeting a wider range of threats in future updates. This could include more sophisticated social engineering attacks or even AI-generated scams, which are rising (e.g., deepfake scams increased 300% in 2024, per web reports). With on-device AI becoming a cornerstone of Google’s strategy, expect faster, smarter, and more privacy-focused protections in the years ahead.
Your Turn: How Do You Stay Safe Online?
Google’s latest Chrome update with Gemini Nano is a significant win for online safety, but we’d love to hear from you! What steps do you take to avoid scams? Have you encountered any sneaky notifications or fake support numbers lately? Share your experiences and tips in the comments—I’m here to help with any questions! For more on staying safe online, visit Google’s Safety Centre: Google Safety Centre.