At the 10th edition of the Google for India event today, Google reaffirmed its mission to make information universally accessible, with a focus on India’s diversity.
This commitment is central to its “AI for Every Indian” initiative, which aims to empower citizens through advanced AI technologies. Here’s how Google is working to break down information barriers and enhance various services:
Reducing Information Barriers
Google reported that AI has significantly lowered information barriers in India. Tools like Google Lens, voice search, and Lens in Maps are being utilized more than in any other region.
The latest AI model, Gemini, processes text, audio, image, and video data simultaneously, providing quick insights across languages. Starting today, several Gemini-powered features are being launched in India:
- Gemini Live: Users can interact with Gemini in nine Indian languages. After its initial launch in English, support for Hindi is rolling out today, with Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Urdu to follow soon.
This AI assistant can assist with various tasks, from academic support to creative brainstorming, adapting to users’ needs with real-time, conversational responses.
- AI Overviews in Search: The Gemini model has transformed search capabilities, allowing users to ask complex questions. AI Overviews, available in English and Hindi, will soon expand to Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi, offering quicker access to diverse perspectives and deeper links for further exploration.
- Video Search with Lens: Soon, users will be able to search using video. For example, you can record a malfunctioning kitchen appliance and ask, “How do I fix this?” Gemini will analyze the video and provide helpful insights. This feature will be available to Search Labs users enrolled in the “AI Overviews and more” experiment.
Enhancing Google Maps with AI
Google Maps is becoming more insightful and safer through AI advancements, including:
- Review Summaries: Later this month, summaries of reviews will be available in Maps, allowing users to quickly gauge public opinion on places like restaurants.
- AI-Powered Image Recognition: Users will soon be able to search for specific items and experiences through photos.
- Weather Alerts: Google is introducing fog and flood alerts in India, helping drivers stay informed about low-visibility areas and affected roads.
Empowering Small and Mid-sized Businesses
Google is launching new AI tools to help Indian businesses thrive:
- Product Studio in Google Merchant Center: Businesses can transform product photos into videos and generate visuals that align with their brand style. AI-generated business descriptions will also help attract more customers.
- Menu Digitization for Restaurants: Restaurants can convert menu photos into formatted online menus, enhancing their online presence.
- Chat Options via SMS and WhatsApp: Businesses can connect directly with customers through the Google Merchant Center, with chat options now available in India.
Expanding Financial Inclusion with Google Pay
Google Pay is enhancing credit accessibility with AI-powered tools that address questions about EMIs, eligibility, and repayment cycles.
- New Credit Options: With Aditya Birla Finance Limited joining Google Pay’s portfolio, users now have more credit options.
- Gold-Backed Loans: Google is collaborating with Muthoot Finance to offer gold-backed loans via Google Pay, providing greater financial flexibility to rural Indians.
Supporting Digital Health Infrastructure
Google is supporting India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by streamlining app integrations with the ABDM digital infrastructure. In 2024, users will be able to store their ABHA health ID cards in Google Wallet, ensuring secure access to health records for over 600 million users while maintaining privacy and security.
Combating Cybercrime in India
Google has acknowledged the severe impact of fraud and scams, which have caused over $1 trillion in global losses. Data from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) shows that between January and April 2024, Indians lost over Rs. 1,750 crore (approximately $212 million) to cybercriminals.
Enhanced Fraud Protection: Google is expanding Google Play Protect’s capabilities to improve fraud protection for users installing apps from unofficial sources. Following successful pilots in Singapore, Thailand, and Brazil, this initiative is now being launched in India.
Key features of this enhanced fraud protection include:
- Real-Time App Analysis: Google Play Protect will analyze app permissions in real time, blocking apps that request sensitive permissions often exploited for financial fraud.
- Blocking Risky Installations: Google notes that 95% of fraud malware installations originate from sideloading. If a user attempts to install an app from such a source requesting flagged permissions, Google Play Protect will block the installation and provide an explanation.
Collaboration for User Safety
Building a secure mobile experience requires collaboration among governments, industry partners, and stakeholders. Google is committed to enhancing user safety.
- Sugandh Saxena, CEO of the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment, emphasized the importance of Google’s enhanced fraud protection in combating financial crimes caused by malicious apps.
- Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive VP at HDFC Bank, noted that while digital transactions offer convenience, users must remain vigilant against cyber threats, highlighting Google’s pilot as a significant step toward a safer digital banking environment.