Google Strengthens AI Fraud Protection Measures in India Amid Ongoing Challenges
In a bid to enhance security against digital scams, Google has introduced advanced AI-driven fraud detection features tailored for Indian users. The latest updates, including on-device scam detection for Pixel 9 models and new alerts for financial applications, come as digital fraud incidents surge across the nation.
As smartphone adoption accelerates in India, so does the vulnerability to digital fraud. Data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) indicates that fraudulent digital transactions represented over half of bank fraud cases reported in 2024, with 13,516 incidents resulting in losses of ₹5.2 billion (approximately $58.61 million). Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported losses from online scams hitting an alarming ₹70 billion (around $789 million) in just the first five months of 2025. Many victims often remain silent about their experiences, either due to uncertainty about reporting procedures or a desire to avoid further scrutiny.
On Thursday, Google announced that it is expanding its real-time scam detection technologies, utilizing Gemini Nano to analyze call data directly on devices. This feature independently identifies potential fraud without recording conversations or transmitting data to Google’s servers. Currently disabled by default, it focuses on calls from unidentified numbers, notifying users with a beep during suspicious interactions. Initially rolled out in the U.S. in March for English-speaking Pixel 9 users, the feature is now set to benefit Indian consumers.
Moreover, Google is piloting screen-sharing protection in collaboration with financial apps like Navi, Paytm, and Google Pay. This initiative aims to mitigate scams where criminals coax victims into sharing screens to retrieve one-time passwords, PINs, and other sensitive information. The pilot program was first unveiled at Google I/O in May and had been tested in the U.K.
In addition to these enhancements, Google has bolstered its Play Protect service to combat predatory loan applications in India, successfully blocking over 115 million instances of unauthorized app installations demanding sensitive permissions typically exploited by fraudsters. Google Pay further supports users by flagging more than a million transactions weekly as potentially fraudulent.
The tech giant is also executing its DigiKavach initiative to elevate awareness of digital fraud risk, reportedly reaching more than 250 million individuals. In collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India, Google has published a verified list of authorized digital lending applications to help protect users from deceptive practices.
Earlier this year, Google launched a Safety Charter aimed at amplifying its AI fraud detection and security efforts in the country. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to deploy cutting-edge AI tools to counter the growing issue of digital fraud.
However, significant obstacles remain. Google has faced scrutiny, similar to Apple, regarding its ability to prevent misleading apps from infiltrating its app store, despite existing review processes. Recent reports from law enforcement and security analysts highlight that investment and loan applications associated with scams have been accessible on the Play Store until detected and addressed, emphasizing the complexities Google navigates as it maintains its dominant position in India’s smartphone ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
– Introduction of AI scam detection on Pixel 9 devices.
– Collaboration with Navi, Paytm, and Google Pay to combat screen-sharing scams.
– Over 115 million attempts to sideload malicious apps blocked.
– More than a million potential fraud warnings issued weekly by Google Pay.
– Ongoing challenges in regulating the app ecosystem despite efforts to enhance security.
