Google Chrome Unveils “Auto Browse”: An AI Agent for Autonomous Web Browsing
Google has recently announced a significant upgrade to its Chrome browser, introducing “Auto Browse”—a potent AI agent powered by Gemini 3, capable of autonomously navigating websites and executing complex, multi-step tasks on behalf of users.
This innovative feature, accessible to Google AI Pro ($20/month) and AI Ultra ($250/month) subscribers in the United States, signifies a fundamental shift in browser functionality. Instead of merely displaying web pages, Chrome can now actively carry out tasks such as researching hotels and flights across multiple dates, filling out tedious online forms, scheduling appointments, comparing products across various websites, and even managing subscriptions—all while users continue working in their primary browser tab.
The update also includes a redesigned Chrome interface featuring a persistent Gemini sidebar that maintains context across tabs. It also integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem of apps, including Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, and Maps. Google has also introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard developed in collaboration with industry partners such as Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, Visa, and Mastercard. This protocol enables AI agents to interact with e-commerce sites in a standardized manner.
Security remains a paramount concern with autonomous browsing. Google acknowledges that “indirect prompt injection”—malicious websites hiding instructions in code to deceive the AI—poses a significant threat. To mitigate this, Auto Browse is engineered to pause and explicitly request user confirmation for sensitive actions like purchases or social media posts. It can also utilize Chrome’s built-in password manager, but only with user permission.
With this announcement, Google is poised to compete directly with OpenAI’s Atlas browser, Microsoft Edge’s AI features, and other emerging agentic browsers. Given that Chrome holds approximately 65% of the browser market share, Google’s integration of AI directly into the world’s most popular browser could potentially expedite the mainstream adoption of agentic AI technology. Google plans to roll out additional features, including “Personal Intelligence” that remembers past conversations for more personalized assistance, in the coming months.
Source: https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/chrome/gemini-3-auto-browse/