Google has launched a groundbreaking real-time scam detection system specifically designed to protect Indian users from telephone fraud. This innovative technology analyzes conversations directly on users' devices without storing any call data, representing a major advancement in digital security for India's rapidly growing digital economy.
On-Device AI Protection Against Phone Scams
The new feature, powered by Google's Gemini Nano artificial intelligence, is initially launching on Pixel smartphones. The system works by analyzing phone conversations entirely on the device itself, ensuring complete privacy since no call data is stored on external servers. When the AI detects suspicious patterns from unknown numbers, it immediately alerts users about potential fraud attempts.
Evan Kotsovinos, Vice President of Privacy, Safety and Security at Google, emphasized the significance of this approach during the 'Safe and Trusted AI' event. He stated that on-device defenses provide "an unprecedented advantage over bad actors" in a country of India's scale, which he described as "the world's proving ground for reliable AI safety."
Comprehensive Safety Strategy for All Users
Google is implementing what Country Manager Preeti Lobana calls a "360 degree approach to safety" across India. This comprehensive strategy combines multiple protective measures:
- Advanced product protections like the new scam detection
- Digital literacy training programs
- Continuous security research
- Ecosystem partnerships with local organizations
The initiative specifically targets enhanced protection for children, seniors, and teenagers - groups particularly vulnerable to digital fraud in India's expanding online landscape.
Enhanced Financial Security Features
Beyond call monitoring, Google has introduced a companion screen-sharing alert system. This feature warns users when they open payment applications like Google Pay, Paytm, or Navi during calls with unfamiliar contacts. The system enables users to end both the call and screen-sharing session with a single tap, providing crucial protection against financial fraud.
Google is also developing Enhanced Phone Number Verification to replace vulnerable SMS-based one-time passwords. The new system uses secure SIM-based verification that functions on both Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. In collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India, the company has published a verified list of authorized digital lending apps to help users identify trustworthy applications and avoid fraudulent operators.
Educational Initiatives and Institutional Support
Google will launch its Learn and Explore Online program in India this December, focusing on equipping teachers and parents with tools to create safer online environments for young users. This expands existing educational efforts including the Super Searchers program, which has already trained over 17,000 teachers and reached more than one million people in 2025.
The company is also supporting institutional cybersecurity through a $200,000 grant from Google.org to the CyberPeace Foundation. This funding will develop AI-powered cyber-defense tools and establish safety programs in schools across India. The initiative includes hackathons where developers can create solutions aligned with India's national AI mission.
Additionally, Google is broadening access to its SynthID watermarking technology, providing early access to academic institutions, researchers, and media organizations. This technology helps identify AI-generated content across images and audio formats, addressing growing concerns about digital misinformation.
These combined efforts represent Google's most comprehensive digital safety initiative to date, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and scale of India's digital transformation journey.
