With 60 million threats blocked and ₹5 million pledged, Google partners with Indian agencies and IIT-Madras to secure the digital future

In India’s rapidly growing digital space, hackers are increasingly targeting users with sophisticated scams, including fake banking apps and phishing attacks. This week, Google revealed new efforts under its AI-led “Safety Charter” to detect and stop such scams in real-time through artificial intelligence. The goal: to protect Indian users and institutions from cyber fraud and data theft.

Google is leveraging AI to block scams before they impact users. According to Preeti Lobana, Google India’s Country Manager, the company has already:

• Prevented 60 million attempts to install malicious applications
• Flagged 500 million scam messages
• Marked 12 million fake listings on Google Maps
• Issued 2.5 billion warnings for suspicious URLs

Financial frauds now account for 75% of cybercrimes, with global cybercrime costs estimated to reach $14 trillion by 2028. To tackle this, Google has introduced a three-pronged AI Charter focused on:

1. User safety
2. Enterprise and government cybersecurity
3. Responsible and ethical AI development

In addition to deploying advanced AI tools, Google is collaborating with Indian authorities such as the Department of Telecommunications, the Home Ministry, and SEBI for centralised intelligence sharing.

Google.org also announced a $5 million expansion of the APAC Cybersecurity Fund via The Asia Foundation, enabling cyber clinics and training in Indian universities, especially for MSMEs and students.

Meanwhile, a new partnership with IIT-Madras aims to push forward Post-Quantum Cryptography, securing future digital interactions through anonymous, privacy-first tokens.

According to Lobana, “AI systems are always evolving to detect new threats—even those that haven’t been seen before.”  Additionally, Heather Adkins, Google Security’s VP of Engineering, said:

“AI isn’t just narrowing the gap between attackers and defenders—it’s eliminating it in some cases.”

Advice:

Google’s AI-driven defence strategies signal a major leap in protecting India’s digital users. But while tech giants act, user vigilance remains essential.

Security Tips for Users:

• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for every application.
• Never click on unknown links in emails or communications.
• Download apps only from official stores
• Report cybercrimes at cybercrime.gov.in
• Stay updated with Google’s Safety Centre and CERT-In alerts