- Google Chrome is testing a new AI-based scam detection feature
- It apparently uses a large language model (LLM) on the device to maintain user privacy.
- AI-powered security tools, including scam detection, help combat the rise of AI-powered online threats
The world’s most popular browser, Google Chrome, is experimenting with a new AI-powered tool designed to help you avoid online scams.
The feature is currently being tested and apparently uses artificial intelligence technology, specifically an on-device large language model (LLM), to analyze web pages and determine whether they look suspicious or are related to a scam.
This development was spotted by Leopeva64 on X, who periodically highlights web browser features being tested. What they actually discovered was an enableable flag called “Client-side detection flag and intent for scam detection,” which is present in the latest version of Chrome’s experimental browser, Canary.
It seems that Chrome will also use AI to detect scams, there is a new flag in the Canary Islands that suggests this: pic.twitter.com/7CyK5y4gtODecember 19, 2024
The new flag leverages an LLM on the device to investigate the content of any given web page and find out what it is trying to do and whether that content matches the website’s supposed purpose or brand.
This is explained in the flag’s description, which says: “Allows LLM (Large Language Model) output on the device on pages to query page branding and intent.”
The device is key to privacy
A key detail of this process is that it uses an on-device LLM, which means that the analysis of web pages is done on your device (as opposed to somewhere in the cloud, which would involve sending your browsing data to a third party). . In short, this means that your data will remain private.
To try this feature, you would have to install the latest version of Google Chrome Canary, which is not something I generally recommend, unless you’re really interested (if so, you can follow Neowin’s advice. on how to enable the new flag).
This is the latest in a series of AI-powered tools coming to Chrome, which also includes a “Store Reviews” feature that is currently in testing. This capability uses AI to summarize reviews from platforms like Trustpilot or ScamAdvisor, helping users quickly check if an online store is trustworthy.
As always, we don’t know if the features being tested will be released, but they likely will: Google is interested in developing AI powers for its browser, and I hope we see this scam warning system implemented. in a short time. Unless the Google Chrome team finds good reasons to go back to the drawing board.
Although Chrome is by far the dominant web browser, Google should not rest on its laurels and I think it is very smart of the company to continue improving its browser to stay in the top position. And now that scammers and hostile actors have AI-powered tools at their disposal, it’s good to see Google (hopefully) bringing in LLM to help defend Chrome users from the unwanted attention of these nefarious guys.
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