You can now turn off the Google Chrome AI model behind the scam detection tool – Google confirms AI model was hosted on your device

News
By published

Chrome now allows you to disable an on-device AI model for scam detection

Google Chrome browser mobile icon app on a screen smartphone iPhone closeup. Google Chrome is a browser developed by Google.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
  • Google Chrome users will soon be able to opt-out from an AI model
  • Chrome added an AI model as part of the 'enhanced protection' mode
  • The AI model was hosted locally on the user's device

Google has added a new toggle to the experimental ‘Canary’ version of Chrome which allows users to disable the AI model that assists in scam detection.

The locally-hosted AI model was added to scam detection last year in what was communicated as a way to enhance “real-time” protection.

Google has also confirmed that the AI model was being hosted locally on your device through Google Chrome.

Article continues below

A rare opt-out in the AI era

Google’s scam detection tool scans websites, extensions, and downloads that the web browser deems to be potentially unsafe to check if they could be part of a scam.

At a time when software is being loaded with non-optional AI, Google’s choice to allow users to opt-out from using the AI model is a rare win for internet users who call Chrome home.

The exact benefits that the AI-assisted version of the scam detection tool provided against the non-AI version aren’t exactly clear. Many of the best antivirus software often include AI-scam detection software that is trained in pattern recognition - so it wouldn’t be too much of a logical jump to assume Google’s tool was doing something along the same lines.

Google Chrome's enhanced protection mode as seen in the Google Chrome security settings.

(Image credit: Google Chrome)

X user Leopeva64 spotted the addition of “enhanced protection” powered by AI way back in November 2024, and subsequently spotted the addition of the latest opt-out toggle in the latest Chrome Canary release.

In order to opt-out of the AI powered enhanced protection mode, users need to navigate to the Chrome settings, head to ‘System’, and then turn off "On-device GenAI." While the option is only currently available in Canary, the opt-out will likely be available to all Chrome users in the next update.

Best antivirus software header
The best antivirus for all budgets

➡️ Read our full guide to the best antivirus
1. Best overall:
Bitdefender Total Security
2. Best for families:
Norton 360 with LifeLock
3. Best for mobile:
McAfee Mobile Security

Benedict Collins
Benedict Collins
Senior Writer, Security

Benedict is a Senior Security Writer at TechRadar Pro, where he has specialized in covering the intersection of geopolitics, cyber-warfare, and business security.

Benedict provides detailed analysis on state-sponsored threat actors, APT groups, and the protection of critical national infrastructure, with his reporting bridging the gap between technical threat intelligence and B2B security strategy.

Benedict holds an MA (Distinction) in Security, Intelligence, and Diplomacy from the University of Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS), with his specialization providing him with a robust academic framework for deconstructing complex international conflicts and intelligence operations, and the ability to translate intricate security data into actionable insights.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.