Google Chrome has introduced an AI-powered update to its “Enhanced protection” feature, expanding real-time security measures against malicious websites, downloads, and browser extensions. The update has been rolled out across all supported platforms following three months of testing in Chrome’s Canary version.
With this release, Google has integrated AI into its Safe Browsing system, replacing what was previously described as “proactive protection” with AI-driven analysis. This enhancement, the search giant claims, allows Chrome to detect and block potentially harmful sites in real-time, including those not previously flagged in Google’s threat database. The AI-powered system also scans downloads and browser extensions for suspicious activity. Google has stated that this update improves detection capabilities, providing an additional layer of security against emerging online threats.
Users can enable the Enhanced protection feature through Chrome’s security settings on Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Google added that activating this feature results in browsing data being sent to its servers for analysis, which may be a consideration for those concerned about data privacy.
To activate the feature, users need to open Google Chrome and access the Settings menu. From there, they should navigate to the Privacy and Security section and select Security. Under Safe Browsing, the option for Enhanced protection can be enabled.
Google Chrome AI innovation comes in wake of extensions breach
Last month, 35 Google Chrome extensions came under a phishing attack, which had potentially exposed the data of approximately 2.6 million users. The attack specifically targeted Chrome extension developers through fraudulent emails designed to appear as official communications from Google. These emails claimed that the recipients’ extensions were in violation of Chrome Web Store policies, citing vague issues such as “unnecessary details in the description.” Developers were then directed to follow a link that allegedly provided more information but instead facilitated the injection of malicious code into widely used extensions. Once compromised, the affected extensions could have been used to collect user data, alter web traffic, or perform other unauthorised actions.
Google Chrome has also remained at the centre of an ongoing antitrust case brought by the US Department of Justice (DoJ). In late 2024, Bloomberg News reported that the DoJ intended to request a court order requiring Google’s parent company, Alphabet, to divest the Chrome browser as part of a broader antitrust action against the company. This follows an August 2024 ruling by a US District Judge, which found that Google had unlawfully maintained its dominance in the search market. The proposed divestiture, if pursued and approved, could mark a significant shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding Google’s control over internet browsing and search services.
Read more: US DoJ reportedly wants Google to divest Chrome amid antitrust measures
