Google has launched a new “Auto Browse” feature for its Chrome browser, powered by the Gemini 3 AI model. This tool allows the AI to independently navigate the web and complete tasks on your behalf – from booking travel to handling expenses – without constant user input. The move reflects a broader trend in Silicon Valley towards increasingly autonomous AI integration into everyday web browsing.
AI Takes the Wheel
The Auto Browse feature, accessible via the Gemini sidebar in Chrome, is currently limited to US users with Google’s AI Pro or AI Ultra subscriptions. While the exact rollout timeline for wider availability remains unclear, the implications are significant. Google’s product management director Charmaine D’Silva demonstrated how the AI can reorder previously purchased items and even search for discount codes, automating tasks previously requiring manual effort.
The system operates by taking over Chrome, making “ghostly clicks” to execute requests. Google includes a disclaimer warning users that they remain responsible for the AI’s actions, even though it operates autonomously. More sensitive tasks, such as financial transactions or social media posting, still require user confirmation, but the direction is clear: the web is becoming increasingly AI-driven.
The Future of Browsing: Less You, More AI
This rollout aligns with a wider shift in the tech industry, with companies like OpenAI (Atlas browser) and Google pushing AI-first browsing experiences. The Vivaldi browser stands out as a notable exception for users prioritizing control over automation. However, the trend suggests that AI-powered browsing will become the norm, not the exception.
Risks and Skepticism
While Google touts the convenience of Auto Browse, security concerns remain. The tool is vulnerable to prompt injection attacks, where malicious websites trick the AI into unintended actions. Despite safeguards, the risk of AI misuse is real.
The effectiveness of such agentic AI is also debatable. Previous attempts at similar automation have often been unreliable and overhyped. Yet, Google is committed to reshaping the web experience around AI, suggesting wider adoption of Auto Browse is inevitable.
The era of autonomous web browsing has begun, raising questions about control, responsibility, and the future of human interaction with the internet.
