Google unveils AI safety measures for children, seniors
What's the story
Google has announced a major push toward artificial intelligence (AI) safety, with a special focus on protecting vulnerable groups like children, teenagers, and seniors. The tech giant made the announcement at its 'Safe and Trusted AI' event in New Delhi. The company emphasized that if AI is to scale responsibly, safety should be treated as core infrastructure rather than an afterthought.
Safety measures
On-device safeguards and digital literacy efforts
Google's announcement focused on protecting those most vulnerable online through a combination of on-device safeguards, digital literacy efforts, and ecosystem partnerships. The company is introducing more protections that work directly on the device for speed, privacy, and constant availability. One major addition is real-time scam detection for phone calls on Pixel devices using Gemini Nano technology. It detects suspicious patterns directly on the device and alerts users without storing audio or sharing data with Google.
Feature expansion
New features and expanded access to safety tools
Google is also piloting a new feature that warns users when they are screen-sharing and opening financial apps like Google Pay, Paytm, or Navi while talking to an unknown caller. The company is also expanding access to its SynthID watermarking and detection tools, making them available for researchers and major Indian publishers.
Educational initiative
Google brings LEO program to India
Google is bringing its Learn and Explore Online (LEO) program to India in December 2025. The initiative aims to help teachers, parents, and practitioners create age-appropriate online environments. Programs like "Sach Ke Sathi, DigiKavach for Seniors" continue to educate older users across multiple cities while the Super Searchers initiative has already reached teachers, students, and broader communities through a scaled train-the-trainer model.
Grant allocation
Google.org grants $200,000 to CyberPeace Foundation
Google.org has also given a grant of $200,000 to the CyberPeace Foundation. The funding will be used to build capacity, develop AI-driven defense tools, and strengthen digital safety environments for children and teens. This includes hackathons and collaborations with startups. The company also highlighted its collaboration with regulators and the broader ecosystem to raise safety standards in India.
Collaborative efforts
Collaboration with RBI, IIT Madras on AI safety
In collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Google has published a verified list of authorized digital lending apps to curb fraud. The company is also working with IIT Madras and CeRAI to advance AI safety research tailored to India's diverse languages and devices. On the cybersecurity front, tools like CodeMender aim to detect and patch vulnerabilities in open-source software autonomously.
Information
Google develops enhanced phone number verification
Google is also working on Enhanced Phone Number Verification (ePNV), which aims to replace SMS OTPs with a secure, SIM-based mechanism directly on the device. The company is also supporting research across Asia-Pacific region through APAC Digital Futures Fund with a commitment of $1 million.