Google Philippines on Tuesday marked Safer Internet Day with the launch of new artificial intelligence-powered tools designed to help Filipinos distinguish scams from legitimate content, fact-check information and strengthen digital security.

The initiative, themed “sA Internet, Ingat!”, highlighted updates across Google’s ecosystem that aim to detect fraudulent messages in real time, block malicious apps and protect devices from theft.

Prep Palacios, country manager of Google Philippines, shared a personal experience with online fraud to underscore the urgency of digital vigilance.

“I messaged the seller. We had a very professional exchange. The moment I sent my payment, the account vanished. All the messages disappeared. Just like that I lost 90,000 pesos,” Palacios said.

“It wasn’t really just about the money. It was the realization of how easily I got manipulated. I don’t want anyone to make my mistake.”

She urged users to verify online identities and seek assistance from authorities such as the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.

“If there’s one lesson to take away here, we really need to be critical. We need to verify that the people we talk to online are truly who they say they are,” she said.

Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso, executive director of the CICC, said cybercrime is evolving alongside AI technologies.

“Earlier this month, the CICC launched our ‘AI-AI Feb-ibig’ because in the first month of 2026 alone, we have already seen a surge in AI-driven love scams,” Paraiso said.

“Scammers aren’t just using masks anymore, they are using sophisticated algorithms to mimic human emotion.”

Paraiso said consumer fraud accounted for 38 percent of all reported cybercrimes in the Philippines in 2025, with most cases originating from lapses in data privacy.

“Emotions can bypass the firewall of even the smartest digital native,” he said. “It’s one thing to get fooled by humans. It’s sadder that we get fooled by technology.”

He said the CICC is strengthening coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and expanding scam safety initiatives to address AI-enabled threats.

Google said its product updates are built on three principles: secured by default, private by design and user control.

Among the tools highlighted were Circle to Search and Google Lens, which allow users to analyze suspicious messages. By taking a screenshot or encircling text on an Android device, users can prompt Google AI to assess whether a message is likely fraudulent.

“Our AI analyzes the message and tells you in real time if it’s likely a scam or not. It’s like having a security expert looking over your shoulder,” said Mervin Wenke, head of communications and public affairs of Google Philippines.