Google has announced a major new initiative focused on developing safe and trusted Artificial Intelligence (AI) specifically for users in India. The company emphasized that building a foundation of safety is absolutely critical for the transformational power of AI to be realized responsibly.
New AI Shields Against Scams and Fraud
The tech giant is rolling out a suite of new protections designed to be faster than the scammers themselves. This comes in response to the growing threat of sophisticated frauds like digital arrest scams, screen-sharing fraud, and AI-powered voice cloning.
For Pixel phone users, Gemini Nano will power a real-time scam detection feature. This on-device AI analyzes suspicious calls as they happen without recording any audio, protecting user privacy. In a new pilot program with popular payment apps Google Pay, Navi, and PayTM, users will receive an immediate alert if they open a financial app while their screen is being shared with an unknown contact. The alert will offer a one-tap option to exit the session safely.
Google's existing security systems are already showing significant results. Google Play Protect has blocked more than 115 million attempted installations of high-risk sideloaded apps in the country. Furthermore, Google Pay issues over 1 million warnings every week for potentially fraudulent transactions. To make sign-ins more secure, the company is pioneering Enhanced Phone Number Verification, which will replace traditional SMS OTPs with a more secure, SIM-based authentication check.
Combating Deepfakes and Cyber Threats
In the ongoing battle against AI-generated misinformation, Google is expanding access to its watermarking tool, SynthID. This technology will be made available to major Indian media partners, including PTI, Jagran, and India Today, to help identify and label synthetic content.
On the cybersecurity front, Google introduced a new AI agent called CodeMender. This tool is designed to autonomously identify and patch software vulnerabilities, strengthening enterprise digital defenses against attacks.
Building a Digitally Literate and Secure Future
Recognizing that technology alone is not enough, Google is also investing heavily in large-scale digital literacy efforts. Programs like LEO, Super Searchers, and the senior-focused DigiKavach campaigns aim to equip millions of Indians with the skills needed to identify and avoid online risks.
Through the Google.org APAC Digital Futures Fund, the CyberPeace Foundation will receive a grant of USD 200,000 to further strengthen AI-driven cyber-defense tools.
Google stated that India's immense scale and diversity make it central to the mission of building AI that works for the entire Global South. The company is deepening its collaborations with IIT Madras and CeRAI to advance critical work on AI safety benchmarks, datasets, and governance frameworks. These initiatives will be highlighted at the upcoming India-AI Impact Summit 2026, the first-ever global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, scheduled for February 19-20 in New Delhi.
