Google is rolling out a big security update in Chrome 137 using Gemini Nano, its smallest on-device AI model. The upgrade is part of Enhanced Protection in Safe Browsing and helps spot scammy websites, like tech support scams, before they do any harm. Since Gemini runs directly on the desktop, it can catch threats in real time, even ones that haven’t shown up in Google’s systems yet.

This new layer works by analyzing scam signals like pop-up tactics and page intent, then sends that data to Safe Browsing for a verdict. It’s a smarter and faster way to block phishing attacks without waiting for centralized updates. While only Enhanced Protection users get this AI-powered defense, and only if Chrome is updated to v137, the broader Safe Browsing system will still benefit from the scam sites it identifies. Google says it’s already reducing tech support scams and plans to expand to more scam types and bring this to Android.