Google to ensure safe internet for India with ‘DigiKavach’

Google on Thursday announced the launch of ‘DigiKavach’, a system designed to strengthen the safety of Indian internet, detect potential threats early, and issue warnings. The alert system aims to recognize patterns of financial fraud and intervene before these patterns can lead to widespread damage, Google said during its ninth edition of ‘Google for India’ event, in New Delhi.

“DigiKavach initiative is a collaborative effort to work with industry partners and experts committed to share insights and combat online financial fraud. The program aims to study how scammers operate, and work in tandem to develop and implement countermeasures to new emerging scams—collectively creating a safer and more secure digital ecosystem,” said Sanjay Gupta Country Head & Vice President, Google India.

Google has also announced its partnership with the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) in order to combat predatory digital lending apps on Google Play Store in India. “As a priority flagger, FACE will support Google with market intelligence to inform detection and enable swift action against personal loan apps in India non-compliant with Play Store’s policies,” Gupta added.

Google's introduction of 'DigiKavach' is particularly timely as the country grapples with a surge in cybercrime directed at mobile internet users. Notably, India boasts a user base of over 750 million individuals connected to the internet. While internet accessibility has brought about several advantages, such as enhanced governance, information access, and digital transactions, it has also led to an increase in cyber threats. Google also stressed on providing USD 4 million grants towards cyber peace foundation.

Apart from its commitment to combating financial fraud, Google made a slew of announcements, such as manufacturing Pixel smartphones in India, enhanced search experience with AI-powered features, credit lending, cloud infrastructure for citizen-centric services and solutions, etc.

Manufacturing Pixel Smartphones In India

Google has announced its plans to commence the manufacturing of Pixel smartphones in India. The move will make Pixel smartphones more cost-effective and accessible to the Indian consumer base. Although specific manufacturer names were not disclosed, Google has revealed its intent to collaborate with both domestic and international manufacturers to facilitate local production. The manufacturing initiative will begin with the latest Pixel flagship models, with the first ‘Made in India’ Pixel smartphone expected to enter the market in 2024.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, also lauded Google's decision to locally produce Pixel smartphones in India as a noteworthy achievement.

“Just about nine years back electronics manufacturing was negligible in the country. Mobile manufacturing was practically not there; almost 98 per cent of mobile phones that we used were imported. In a short time span of nine years our PM Modi’s vision of Digital India, Make in India & Startup India this bouquet of programs has established India as a trusted value chain partner. Practically every big electronics manufacturer is setting up its design in India and I am very happy to share that Google has announced the manufacturing of Pixel smartphones in India. This is a very big achievement.,” Vaishnaw said.

Enhanced Search Experience With AI-powered Features

During the event, Google unveiled its plan to enhance its Search functionality by introducing AI-powered summaries for more than 100 essential government initiatives. These programs include crucial domains such as employment, housing, healthcare, agriculture, women's welfare, and more. Additionally, Google is equipping small businesses to stand out prominently in search results by offering visually engaging and user-friendly product feeds. And with the power of generative AI, they will be able to easily create high-quality catalogs of their products to deliver richer shopping experiences.

Formal Credit To Small Businesses

Google Pay is introducing a new feature, enabling users to quickly locate and execute payments for pre-approved credit lines from banks. This advancement is expected to grant millions of Indians access to formal credit, with the added benefit of offering flexibility and convenience to small businesses for their working capital requirements.

Cloud Infrastructure For Citizen-Centric Services And Solutions

In a bid to bridge the digital gap, Google Cloud is initiating partnerships with significant Indian organizations. One such collaboration involves teaming up with Axis My India to launch an inclusive and multilingual super-app called ‘a’. The application aims to expand access to government social welfare programs, everyday services, job opportunities, and healthcare benefits throughout India. By harnessing Google Cloud's infrastructure, it aspires to extend these services to both urban and rural regions.

Google also announced an expanded partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to help Farmer Producer Organizations more efficiently and easily sell their produce online, and collaboration with the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to introduce real-time payment systems via UPI for easier overseas payments.