Google has introduced new Artificial Intelligence tools to protect Gmail's 2.5 billion users from a surge in holiday scams. The tech giant announced these measures in a blog post, highlighting its ongoing efforts to combat increased phishing, spam, and malware during the shopping season.
Gmail, the world's largest email provider, blocks over 99.9% of spam and phishing attempts year-round, but challenges intensify during the holidays. This year, users experienced a 35% reduction in scams reaching their inboxes compared to last year, thanks to new security features.
Google's enhancements, powered by advanced AI models, have allowed the company to block millions of harmful messages before they reach users. A newly developed large language model has improved spam detection by 20% and processes 1,000 times more user-reported spam daily.
In preparation for the holiday rush, Google deployed an AI model before Black Friday that evaluates threat signals in real time, enhancing Gmail's protective measures. Despite these advancements, Google cautions that scammers continuously adapt their tactics, especially during peak activity periods.
The company advises users to remain vigilant and report any suspicious emails as spam or phishing to stay ahead of scams.