Google Unveils AI-Powered Safety Charter to Tackle India’s Growing Cybercrime Crisis

In response to India’s rapidly escalating cybercrime problem, Google has launched its “Safety Charter for India”, a major initiative focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) and community outreach to prevent digital scams and frauds. The move is aimed at shielding Indian users from an estimated ₹20,000 crore in potential cybercrime losses in 2025 alone.

India has seen a sharp increase in online fraud, particularly through mobile and UPI-based transactions. In 2024, scams related to digital payments alone cost Indians over ₹1,000 crore. Deepfake scams, AI-generated impersonations, fake job offers, and fraudulent investment schemes have become alarmingly common. Against this backdrop, Google’s new safety charter seeks to build a comprehensive framework of preventive technology, awareness, and institutional collaboration.

One of the key innovations introduced is on-device AI in Google Messages, which can automatically scan and flag scam-related messages—such as those promising lottery winnings, fake crypto investments, or impersonating officials—without compromising user privacy. Unlike traditional methods, this AI operates directly on the user’s device, ensuring personal data is not uploaded to Google’s servers.

Google is also working on improving protections for sideloaded apps. Through its Play Protect system, it now offers real-time checks to block high-risk app installations that request dangerous permissions. In 2024, this system prevented more than 13 million malware attempts and removed over 2.3 million policy-violating apps.

Beyond technology, the initiative includes educational campaigns like DigiKavach, aimed at creating widespread public awareness. These programs have already reached over 177 million people across India, teaching them how to identify and avoid scams related to loans, jobs, and digital investments.

Looking forward, Google plans to launch a Safety Engineering Centre in India by 2025, which will serve as a hub for developing localized solutions to security threats. It will bring together engineers, policy experts, and researchers to study emerging risks in India’s diverse digital ecosystem.

With this charter, Google hopes not only to protect Indian users but also to use India’s digital landscape as a blueprint for global cybersecurity innovation. By integrating AI technology with policy support and grassroots education, the initiative marks a significant step in the fight against online fraud in one of the world’s largest internet markets.