Google says “Enhanced protection” feature in Chrome now uses AI

Google has quietly updated the description of one of Chrome's security features, "Enchaned protection," to confirm that it will be powered by AI in a future release.

It's unclear what has changed, but as spotted by Leo on X, Google is updating its Enhanced protection mode in Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature to include AI-powered protection.

This feature now uses AI to provide real-time protection against dangerous sites, downloads, and extensions.

Chrome's enhanced protection is now powered by AI

Previously, it was referred to as proactive protection, but it has now been changed to AI-powered protection. In theory, it could allow Google to use AI to detect and warn users about potentially harmful sites, even those that Google hasn’t previously identified.

With Enhanced protection turned on, Chrome performs deeper scans on downloads and improves protection across all your Google services when you're signed in. 

Group tabs will also use "AI"

Enhanced protection isn't the only feature getting an "AI" makeover in Chrome.

As noticed by Leo, Google has updated the Tab search bubble in Chrome Canary. Previously, the option was labeled as Group tabs with a suggestion to "Check for suggestions."

Group Tabs using AI in Chrome

Now, it’s updated to Group tabs with AI, which helps you automatically organize your tabs using AI to keep them better sorted.

Similarly, the Close unused tabs option has been renamed to Review inactive tabs. Instead of simply closing tabs, the new feature lets users review tabs that have been inactive for 7 or more days.

Google is still testing these "AI" branding changes in Chrome Canary, and we don't know when they will begin rolling out to everyone.