Google Expands AI-Powered Scam Detection Tools in India
Key Points
- Google launches on‑device AI scam detection for Pixel 9 phones in India, using Gemini Nano.
- Feature works only for unknown numbers, is off by default, and supports English only.
- Pilot with Navi, Paytm and Google Pay introduces screen‑sharing scam alerts and a one‑tap call‑end option.
- Play Protect blocks over 115 million predatory loan‑app installation attempts this year.
- DigiKavach campaign has reached more than 250 million people with fraud‑awareness messaging.
- Pixel devices hold less than 1 % of the Indian market, limiting immediate coverage.
- Google plans to extend AI detection to non‑Pixel Android devices, timeline unspecified.
- Collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India includes a public list of authorized lending apps.
Google is rolling out on‑device AI scam detection for Pixel 9 smartphones in India, using Gemini Nano to analyze calls without sending data to its servers. The feature, which is off by default and limited to English‑speaking users, flags potential fraud from unknown numbers with an audible beep. Google also launched a pilot that alerts users of screen‑sharing scams in partnership with Navi, Paytm and Google Pay, offering a one‑tap option to end the call. Play Protect continues to block predatory loan apps, and the company’s DigiKavach campaign has reached hundreds of millions, though gaps remain due to limited device share and language coverage.
AI‑Driven Call Screening Arrives on Pixel 9 Devices
Google announced that its on‑device scam‑detection feature, powered by the Gemini Nano model, will be available on Pixel 9 smartphones in India. The system analyzes voice calls locally, flags potential fraud, and plays a beep to notify participants. It operates only on calls from unknown numbers, is off by default, and currently supports only English‑language interactions.
Screen‑Sharing Scam Alerts Pilot
In parallel, Google introduced a pilot with three financial‑app partners—Navi, Paytm and Google Pay—to combat screen‑sharing scams. Users running Android 11 or later will receive alerts when a call attempts to initiate screen sharing, with a one‑tap option to end the call and stop the sharing. The alerts are slated to appear in Indian languages as the pilot expands.
Play Protect and DigiKavach Efforts
Google’s Play Protect service continues to block predatory loan apps, reporting more than 115 million blocked installation attempts this year. The company’s DigiKavach awareness campaign, aimed at educating users about digital fraud, has reportedly reached more than 250 million people. Google Pay also surfaces over a million weekly warnings for potentially fraudulent transactions.
Challenges and Market Realities
Despite the technical advances, the rollout faces notable constraints. Pixel devices hold less than 1 % of the Indian smartphone market, limiting the immediate impact of the on‑device feature. The English‑only limitation also restricts reach in a market where many users primarily use non‑English languages. Google has indicated plans to extend the technology to non‑Pixel Android phones, though no timeline was provided.
Collaboration with Regulators
Google has worked with the Reserve Bank of India to publish a public list of authorized digital lending apps and their associated non‑banking financial companies, aiming to reduce the prevalence of malicious actors. The company’s broader Safety Charter in India seeks to expand AI‑driven fraud detection and security tools across the ecosystem.
Overall Outlook
The new AI‑powered tools represent a significant step in Google’s effort to curb digital fraud in India, addressing both call‑based scams and screen‑sharing attacks. However, limited device penetration, language barriers, and ongoing challenges with app vetting suggest that further work will be needed to achieve comprehensive protection for Indian users.