Almost anyone who has used the internet has probably experienced that alarming moment when a window pops up claiming your device has a virus, encouraging you to click for tech support or download security software. It’s a common online scam, and one that Google is aiming to fight more aggressively using artificial intelligence. Google says it’s now using a version of its Gemini AI model that runs on users’ devices to detect and warn users of these so-called “tech support” scams. It’s just one of a number of ways Google is using advancements in AI to better protect users from scams across Chrome, Search and its Android operating system, the company said in a blog post Thursday. The announcement comes as AI has enabled bad actors to more easily create large quantities of convincing, fake content — effectively lowering the barrier to carrying out scams that can be used to steal victims’ money or personal information. Consumers worldwide lost more than $1 trillion to scams last year, according to the lobbying group Global Anti-Scam Alliance. So, Google and other organizations are increasingly using AI to fight scammers, too. Phiroze Parakh, senior director of engineering for Google Search, said that fighting scammers “has always been an evolution game,” where bad actors learn and evolve as tech companies put new protections in place. “Now, both sides have new tools,” Parakh said in an interview with CNN. “So, there’s this question of, how do you get to use this tool more effectively? Who is being a little more proactive about it?” Although Google has long used machine learning to protect its services, newer AI advancements have led to improved language understanding and pattern recognition, enabling the tech to identify scams faster and more effectively. Google said that on Chrome’s “enhanced protection” safe browsing mode on desktop, its on-device AI model can now effectively scan a webpage in real-time when a user clicks on it to look for potential threats. That matters because, sometimes, bad actors make their pages appear differently to Google’s existing crawler tools for identifying scams than they do to users, a tactic called “cloaking” that the company warned last year was on the rise. And because the model, called Gemini Nano, runs on your device, the service works faster and protects users’ privacy, said Jasika Bawa, group product manager for Google Chrome. As with Chrome’s existing safe browsing mode, if a user attempts to access a potentially unsafe site, they’ll see a warning before being given the option to continue to the page. In another update, Google will warn Android users if they’re receiving alerts from fishy sites in Chrome and let them automatically unsubscribe, so long as they have Chrome website notifications enabled. Google has also used AI to detect scammy results and prevent them from showing up in Search, regardless what kind of device users are on. Since Google Search first launched AI-powered versions of its anti-scam systems three years ago, it now blocks 20 times the number of problematic pages. “We’ve seen this incredible advantage with our ability to understand language and nuance and relationships between entities that really made a change in how we detect these scammy actors,” he said, adding that in 2024 alone, the company removed hundreds of millions of scam search results daily because of the AI advancements. Parakh said, for example, that AI has made it better able to identify and remove a scam where bad actors create fake “customer service” pages or phone numbers for airlines. Google says it has has now decreased scam attacks in airline-related searches by 80%. Google isn’t the only company using AI to fight bad actors. British mobile phone company O2 said last year it was fighting phone scammers with “Daisy,” a conversational AI chatbot meant to keep fraudsters on the phone, giving them less time to talk with would-be human victims. Microsoft has also piloted a tool that uses AI to analyze phone conversations to determine whether a call may be fraudulent and alert the user accordingly. And the US Treasury Department said last year that AI had helped it identify and recover $1 billion worth of check fraud in fiscal 2024 alone.
Google is using AI to identify scammy websites on Chrome when you click on them
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Google Enhances Chrome with AI to Combat Online Scams"
CNN
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Google is taking significant steps to enhance online safety by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to combat prevalent internet scams, particularly those involving misleading tech support. The company has introduced a new version of its Gemini AI model that operates directly on users' devices, allowing for real-time scanning of web pages when users click on them. This initiative aims to protect users from scams that have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using techniques like 'cloaking' to present different versions of their websites to crawlers versus actual users. According to Google, this on-device AI technology not only speeds up the detection process but also maintains user privacy, which is a crucial consideration in the era of data security concerns. As users navigate the web, they will receive warnings if they attempt to access potentially harmful sites, aligning with Google's ongoing commitment to user safety through its enhanced protection mode in Chrome.
In addition to improving Chrome's capabilities, Google is also employing AI across its Search platform to identify and block scam-related content. The company reported that its AI-driven systems have drastically increased the number of problematic pages blocked, achieving a twenty-fold increase compared to previous efforts. This advancement is particularly evident in sectors prone to scams, such as airline customer service, where Google has managed to reduce scam-related attacks by 80%. Other organizations, including mobile provider O2 and Microsoft, are also utilizing AI technologies to tackle fraud, indicating a broader industry trend towards AI-driven solutions in the fight against online scams. With consumers losing over $1 trillion to scams globally last year, the deployment of AI tools represents a critical evolution in the ongoing battle against digital deception, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard personal information and finances.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent announcement from Google regarding the use of AI to combat online scams reflects a growing concern over cybersecurity and user protection. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, with scammers becoming more sophisticated, the implementation of advanced technology like AI is crucial for safeguarding users.
Purpose of the Announcement
Google's initiative aims to reassure users that their online safety is a priority. By highlighting the use of the Gemini AI model, the company positions itself as a proactive defender against scams, which have become rampant due to technological advancements. This announcement serves not only as a marketing strategy but also aims to bolster user trust in Google's products and services.
Public Perception
The article seeks to cultivate a perception of Google as a responsible and innovative tech leader. By framing the narrative around protecting users from scams, the company aims to enhance its reputation and differentiate itself from competitors. This aligns with the ongoing trend of tech companies emphasizing their roles in user safety and ethical practices.
Potential Concealments
While the announcement focuses on AI's benefits, it may obscure the underlying issue of how these scams proliferate. The article does not delve into the broader implications of digital security, such as the responsibility of platforms in preventing scams or the potential for user data misuse. By concentrating on the positive aspects of AI, it could be seen as downplaying the challenges that remain in cybersecurity.
Manipulative Aspects
The article has a low manipulation factor, primarily because it presents factual information about technological advancements and their applications in user protection. However, the language used is crafted to evoke a sense of urgency regarding online security, which could subtly influence public sentiment toward increased reliance on Google's services.
Truthfulness of the Information
The information presented appears credible, backed by statements from Google's senior director of engineering. The mention of significant financial losses due to scams underlines the relevance and necessity of the measures being adopted.
Societal Implications
If successful, this initiative could lead to increased consumer confidence in online activities, potentially boosting e-commerce and digital services. However, if users perceive that scams are not adequately addressed, it could lead to a decline in trust across the tech industry.
Target Audience
The article is likely aimed at a broad audience, including everyday internet users who may have fallen victim to scams. It resonates particularly with tech-savvy individuals concerned about online security.
Market Impact
This announcement might positively influence stocks of tech companies focusing on cybersecurity innovations. Investors often react favorably to news that suggests enhanced user engagement and safety, which can translate into higher revenues.
Global Context
The discussion about online scams is relevant in today's digital landscape, where incidents of fraud are on the rise. This aligns with broader global trends towards enhancing cybersecurity measures across industries.
Use of AI in the Article
While it is unclear if AI specifically authored this article, it is evident that AI models could have influenced the reporting style, emphasizing clarity and urgency. If AI was involved in crafting the narrative, it would aim to enhance the article's persuasive elements and make it more engaging for readers.
In conclusion, this article presents a proactive step by Google in combating online scams, while also serving as a strategic move to maintain user trust in its services. The information shared is largely trustworthy, and the implications for society and the market could be significant in promoting safer online environments.