Google Unveils AI-Powered ‘Safety Charter’ in India to Combat Online Fraud
As India’s digital economy expands rapidly—from online banking to mobile payments—the threats of cyber fraud, phishing, and data breaches have also escalated. In a major initiative to boost digital safety, Google has introduced a new “Safety Charter” specifically tailored for India. This move aims to safeguard users from online scams using the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Safety Charter Announced at “Safer with Google India Summit”
At the “Safer with Google India Summit” held in New Delhi on June 17, Google unveiled its Safety Charter, a long-term strategic plan focused on digital trust and cybersecurity. The company emphasized that a safe online experience is as crucial as personal safety in real life.
According to Preeti Lobana, Country Manager for Google India, "If India aspires to become a developed digital economy, building public trust in digital platforms is essential. We are developing AI systems that can detect new forms of fraud—even those that have never been seen before.”
Core Objectives of Google’s Safety Charter
The newly introduced charter focuses on three key areas:
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Protecting users from online fraud and scams
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Strengthening cybersecurity for both government and private institutions
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Promoting the responsible use of AI for digital safety
Google believes that these pillars are critical to ensuring that India's growing digital population remains protected from evolving cyber threats.
AI to Detect Fraud Before It Happens
Unlike traditional security systems that react after an attack, Google is now leveraging AI to predict and prevent fraud before it occurs. The company is training its AI models to detect previously unknown threats, enhancing both proactive and real-time defenses.
According to Heather Adkins, VP of Security Engineering at Google, “AI is no longer just a tool—it has become a critical line of defense in the fight against cybercrime. It helps us anticipate attacks and vulnerabilities before they cause damage.”
Google’s Digikavach Has Protected Millions
One of Google’s major safety programs in India is ‘Digikavach’, which has reportedly protected over 177 million Indians from cyber scams so far. The Google Play Protect system has successfully blocked 60 million dangerous app installation attempts.
Additionally, in 2024 alone, Google Pay helped prevent fraud worth ₹13,000 crore, issuing 41 million real-time alerts to users before any risky transaction was made. Gmail and Google Messages also continue to block billions of spam and phishing attempts every month.
New Cybersecurity Clinics and Investments
To ensure cyber safety reaches the grassroots, Google has pledged $20 million (around ₹172.5 crore) to establish Cyber Clinics across India and parts of Asia. These clinics will:
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Educate people on how to recognize scams
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Teach how to avoid phishing messages and fake calls
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Offer tips to secure digital transactions
More than 10 such clinics are in the pipeline.
Google is also collaborating with IIT Madras on advanced quantum research and is partnering with universities across India to train students and small business owners (MSMEs) in cybersecurity best practices.
Conclusion: AI is the New Weapon Against Cybercrime
Google’s renewed focus on digital safety marks a significant shift in how tech companies address cybersecurity. By integrating AI into core systems, Google is not just reacting to threats but actively preventing them.
With its Safety Charter, Google aims to make India’s digital environment safer, smarter, and more resilient—empowering users to engage online with confidence and trust.
