Google is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven defenses against digital fraud in India, deploying real-time scam detection for Pixel 9 devices and introducing new screen-sharing alerts for financial applications. These efforts come as digital fraud surges across the country, fueled by rapid smartphone adoption and increasing reliance on digital payments.
The Growing Problem of Digital Fraud in India
India has seen a dramatic rise in digital fraud, especially among first-time internet users. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), over half of all reported bank fraud in 2024 – 13,516 cases – involved digital transactions, resulting in losses of ₹5.2 billion (approximately $58.61 million). The Ministry of Home Affairs estimates that online scams caused roughly ₹70 billion ($789 million) in losses in the first five months of 2025 alone. Many incidents remain unreported due to victims’ uncertainty about filing complaints or fear of further scrutiny.
This trend highlights a critical vulnerability: as more Indians come online, fraudsters exploit their lack of digital literacy and trust in technology. The rapid growth of mobile banking, e-commerce, and government services makes the country a prime target for scams.
New AI-Powered Tools
Google’s latest initiatives aim to address this threat directly. The company is rolling out on-device scam detection powered by Gemini Nano on Pixel 9 devices. This feature analyzes calls in real-time, flagging potential fraud without recording audio or sending data to Google’s servers. A beep alerts participants during suspicious conversations, and the system currently supports only English-speaking users.
Google is also piloting a screen-sharing alert system in partnership with Navi, Paytm, and Google Pay. This feature, previously tested in the U.K., warns users when an app requests screen-sharing permissions during a call, a common tactic used by fraudsters to steal one-time passwords and PINs. Android devices running version 11 or later will support this functionality.
Limited Reach and Ongoing Challenges
Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain. The on-device scam detection is initially limited to Pixel 9 and later models in India, representing a tiny fraction of the country’s Android market (Pixel held less than 1% share in 2024). The English-only language support further restricts its reach, given that most Indian users rely on regional languages.
Google acknowledges the need to extend these features to non-Pixel Android phones, but has not provided a timeline. The company has also taken steps to curb predatory loan apps by blocking sideloading attempts through Play Protect, preventing over 115 million malicious installations this year.
However, Google—like Apple—still faces criticism for allowing fraudulent apps to slip through its app store review processes. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing security with open access in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Broader Efforts and Future Outlook
Google’s broader strategy includes the DigiKavach awareness campaign, reaching over 250 million people, and collaboration with the RBI to publish a list of authorized digital lending apps. The company’s Safety Charter in India signals a long-term commitment to deploying AI tools to combat fraud.
In conclusion, while Google is making strides in AI-powered fraud protection, the limitations in device compatibility and language support mean that these tools will only reach a small segment of the Indian population initially. Overcoming these barriers is crucial if the company hopes to make a substantial impact on the country’s escalating digital fraud problem.
