Google is turning Chrome into something closer to an autonomous assistant, announcing a new “auto browse” feature that can surf the web and complete multi-step tasks on a user’s behalf. Auto browse is initially rolling out to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US. With auto browse, Google says safeguards are in place and that it is using a mix of AI and on-device models to protect users from scams and abuse. Following Mastercard’s announcement of Australia’s first fully authenticated AI-powered transactions, shoppers used AI assistants to buy cinema tickets and book accommodation through its Agent Pay system. Giving an AI agent the keys to log into accounts and act on a user’s behalf is likely to reignite debate over whether big tech’s assurances about privacy and control can really be trusted.