In today’s digital age, everyone can become a victim of online fraud, scams and cyber threats. Keeping this in mind, Google has started its new AI security initiative. The company says it is using AI to protect users from online harm, increase the security of financial and other apps, and create fair and trustworthy AI models. This step is even more important in a big digital market like India. New features like Scam Detection, SynthID and Enhanced Phone Number Verification will help in keeping users safe online.
Real-time call scam detection- Google has introduced a new feature Scam Detection for Pixel phones. This feature immediately identifies during a call whether a call is a scam or not. It works entirely on the phone, meaning no audio or call information is sent to Google. This feature is off by default and the user has to turn it on. It only works on calls coming from unknown numbers and makes a ‘beep’ when the call is a potential scam.
Security of financial apps- Google is now working with apps like Google Pay, PayTM and Navi in India to stop screen sharing scams.
Now if a user opens these apps while sharing the screen with an unknown number on a call, the phone will immediately warn him. Calls and screen sharing can be stopped in one tap, which reduces the risk of fraud.
Additionally, Google Play Protect has blocked more than 115 million side-loaded apps in India that could be used for fraud. Google Pay also displays more than 1 million alerts a week, keeping users’ transactions safe.
System-level security: ePNV
Google has also introduced Enhanced Phone Number Verification (ePNV) feature. It replaces the old SMS OTP and does SIM based safe verification. This means that sign-in security is now stronger than before.
SynthID and AI-generated content identification
Google is now giving its SynthID Detector and API to some selected partners. SynthID technology helps identify AI-generated images and content. This increases the credibility of digital media and online content and lets users know which content is genuine and which is created by AI.
This new AI initiative of Google shows that AI is not only necessary for creating new technology, but also for maintaining user security and online trust. In a big digital market like India, technologies like Scam Detection, SynthID and ePNV will help protect people from online fraud and cyber threats.
