Claude AI agent for Chrome Available as Extension
Anthropic has launched a research preview of its Claude AI agent for Chrome. The new extension allows select users to chat with Claude in a side window while browsing. The agent can also take actions in the browser with user permission.
The preview is rolling out to 1,000 subscribers on Anthropic’s Max plan, which costs between $100 and $200 per month. A waitlist is open for more users who want early access.
AI Labs Compete for the Browser
The browser is fast emerging as the next major battleground for AI companies. Perplexity has already launched Comet, its own AI-powered browser. OpenAI is reportedly developing a similar tool. Google has also introduced Gemini integrations with Chrome in recent months.
The timing is significant. A federal judge may soon force Google to sell Chrome as part of an antitrust ruling. Perplexity has already made a $34.5 billion bid for Chrome, while OpenAI’s Sam Altman has said his company would also consider buying it.
Safety Risks and Protections
Anthropic says the move comes with safety challenges. Browser agents could face risks like indirect prompt-injection attacks, where hidden code on a website tricks the agent into following harmful instructions.
Last week, Brave security researchers flagged such risks in Perplexity’s Comet. The company has since patched the issue. Anthropic, meanwhile, says its own defenses have reduced the success rate of prompt-injection attacks from 23.6% to 11.2%.
By default, Claude blocks access to financial services, adult content, and pirated sites. It also asks for explicit permission before performing high-risk actions like publishing, buying, or sharing data.
A Race Toward AI-Powered Browsing
This is not Anthropic’s first step into AI agents with control. In 2024, it tested a PC-based Claude agent, though early reports showed it was slow.
With Claude now entering Chrome, Anthropic is directly competing with rivals to shape the future of AI-powered browsing. The browser is quickly becoming the center stage for AI labs to connect models with daily internet use.
