Google Launches AI Safety Charter in India to Combat Rising Cybercrime

In a significant step towards securing India’s digital economy, Google has announced the launch of an AI-powered Safety Charter specifically designed to combat the escalating threat of cybercrime. With digital fraud on the rise—especially in the financial and payments sector—the initiative aims to reduce cybercrime losses in India by nearly ₹20,000 crore in 2025 alone.

India has emerged as one of the largest users of digital payment systems, particularly UPI (Unified Payments Interface). However, this rapid adoption has been accompanied by a steep rise in cyber fraud. According to government data, Indians lost approximately ₹1,087 crore to digital payment fraud in 2024, with many cases linked to phishing scams, impersonation via deepfakes, and malicious apps. Recognizing the urgency, Google’s new charter positions artificial intelligence as a core defense mechanism against evolving cyber threats.

Under the charter, Google will deploy AI-powered fraud detection models that identify suspicious patterns in real-time, enabling faster response and prevention. These systems are designed to adapt continuously, improving accuracy as new threats emerge. The technology can intercept phishing attempts, flag fraudulent links, and even detect manipulated or AI-generated content used in scams. “Cybersecurity must evolve with the tools used by attackers,” said Saikat Mitra, Director of Trust and Safety at Google India. “This charter reflects our commitment to using AI responsibly to protect users and the digital economy.”

A key area of implementation is India’s UPI system. Google Pay, one of the largest players in the digital payments ecosystem, will be among the first to adopt these AI protocols. By integrating with the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), Google aims to work collaboratively with banks and fintech partners to roll out security upgrades. These efforts will focus on fraud identification, user education, and secure authentication mechanisms. For example, users may soon receive intelligent alerts if a payment request appears suspicious, or if AI detects an attempt to impersonate a known contact.

Beyond immediate threats, Google’s charter includes plans to develop quantum-resistant cybersecurity systems for Indian enterprises. This forward-looking approach ensures businesses are equipped to handle future risks posed by advances in quantum computing, which could potentially break current encryption models.

The Safety Charter is not a solo effort. Google is engaging with the Indian government, financial institutions, telecom providers, and cybersecurity experts to develop a shared defense framework. This includes workshops, collaborative threat intelligence sharing, and AI governance protocols that align with India’s broader AI mission. These partnerships are key to making cyber safety accessible and scalable, especially for small businesses and first-time internet users.

This initiative comes at a time when India is expanding its national AI strategy. The IndiaAI Mission, launched earlier in 2025, includes the formation of the IndiaAI Safety Institute, which focuses on responsible AI development and risk management. Google’s new charter aligns with this vision, setting a global example of how tech companies can proactively address digital harm.

In addition to tech upgrades, the charter also emphasizes public education. Google will launch safety campaigns in multiple Indian languages, targeting misinformation, online scams, and digital hygiene practices. This will be particularly relevant in rural areas and among new internet users who are often more vulnerable to fraud.

As India continues to digitize its economy and embrace emerging technologies, cyber resilience is no longer optional—it is foundational. The launch of Google’s AI Safety Charter signals a major shift towards preventive cybersecurity, where AI is not just used to fix breaches but to anticipate and block them before harm is done. The next few months will be crucial in evaluating how effectively this initiative is implemented across platforms and institutions. But one thing is clear: India is taking a bold step towards protecting its digital future—and technology giants like Google are playing a central role in that journey.