With the rise of AI-generated content, Google is also taking steps to combat misinformation and deepfakes
As the digital landscape grows, so do the threats that come with it. On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2025, Google has reinforced its commitment to online safety by introducing new measures aimed at combating fraud, scams, and security risks. Through initiatives such as DigiKavach and the Enhanced Play Protect program, the tech giant is focusing on securing its platforms, strengthening industry collaborations, and enhancing digital literacy among users.
Fighting Financial Fraud With DigiKavach
In response to the rising number of online scams, Google launched DigiKavach, a dedicated initiative to tackle financial fraud. As part of this programme, the company introduced the ‘Mauka Gawao’ campaign, designed to educate users about deceptive job offers, investment scams, and fraudulent loan schemes that appear too good to be true. The campaign has already reached 177 million Indians, equipping them with the knowledge to recognise and avoid common scams.
To bolster these efforts, Google is working closely with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and has integrated Google Pay into the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. This collaboration ensures that fraudulent activities are effectively tracked, reported, and addressed, strengthening the country’s fight against digital financial crimes.
Shielding Users From Harmful Apps
With mobile applications being a common target for cybercriminals, Google introduced the Enhanced Play Protect program in late 2024 to safeguard users from malicious apps. The impact of the programme has been substantial:
In India, it has blocked 13.9 million harmful app installations, protecting 3.2 million devices.
On a global scale, Google Play Protect scans over 200 billion apps daily and has detected 13 million malicious apps outside the Play Store.
Google has also removed 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned 158,000 developer accounts attempting to distribute harmful content.
Promoting Digital Awareness Through Innovation
Beyond security measures, Google is focusing on innovative approaches to educate users about online risks. It has introduced ShieldUp!, a game-based learning tool designed to help users identify scams. A pilot study in India found that players became significantly better at recognising online fraud, and the effect lasted even three weeks after playing the game.
Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, is also expanding digital literacy efforts by supporting non-profits like the CyberPeace Foundation and The Asia Foundation. These organisations have trained thousands of individuals and small businesses in fact-checking and cybersecurity best practices, empowering them to navigate the digital world safely.
United Front Against Cyber Threats
Recognising the need for a collective approach to online safety, Google has joined the Safer Internet India Coalition—a consortium of digital services, telecom providers, fintech firms, and cybersecurity experts. Through this initiative, the company aims to enhance trust and security across India’s digital ecosystem.
With the rise of AI-generated content, Google is also taking steps to combat misinformation and deepfakes. The company has introduced SynthID, a tool that embeds digital watermarks into AI-created images, videos, and text, making it easier to detect manipulated content. Additionally, on YouTube, creators are now required to disclose AI-generated content when it appears realistic, with visible labels to inform viewers.
As online threats continue to evolve, Google’s latest measures reflect its commitment to keeping the internet a safer space for users.
