Google launched a 'Safety Charter' in India, providing users with safety guidelines to protect them from online fraud and fake apps.
Safety Charter: In response to the rampant increase in online fraud cases in India, Google has undertaken a significant initiative. The tech giant launched a new cybersecurity policy called the ‘Google Safety Charter’ in India, designed to safeguard the country's internet users. This charter aims not only to protect users from online fraud but also to promote the safe and transparent use of the internet.
Why was this Google initiative necessary?
The number of digital transactions and smartphone users in India is steadily increasing. Simultaneously, incidents of online fraud, phishing attacks, fake apps, and scam calls are also rising rapidly. Reports indicate that thousands of people fall victim to some form of cyber fraud every day. Considering these circumstances, Google initiated this new program.
The main objective of the Google Safety Charter is to promote apps and digital services that adhere to user data security, transparency, and clear permission policies. This initiative is a crucial step towards building a trustworthy internet ecosystem in a large digital consumer market like India.
What is the Google Safety Charter?
The Google Safety Charter is a digital security guideline specifically designed to ensure the cybersecurity of Indian users. Google has focused on several key areas:
- Data Security: Apps must obtain explicit permission from users and keep their information secure.
- Fraud Prevention: Tools are being implemented on the Google Play Store to identify and immediately remove fake, duplicate, and fraudulent apps.
- User Education: Users will receive regular tips, warnings, and notifications on safe browsing practices to help them stay vigilant.
- Certification System: Apps that meet Google's safety requirements will receive a 'Safety Verified' tag, making it easier for users to identify trustworthy apps.
Which apps will receive the 'Safety Verified' tag?
Initially, Google included the following major apps in this safety charter:
- PhonePe
- Paytm
- Bajaj Finserv
These apps will undergo changes related to enhanced security features and transparency. More financial and social media apps will be included in this initiative in the coming months.
What will change for users?
- When downloading apps from the Google Play Store, users will be able to see the 'Safety Verified' tag to determine if the app meets Google's safety guidelines.
- Users will be advised to check an app's rating, download count, permission details, and developer information before installing it.
- It will be essential to take any safety alerts or notifications from Google regarding an app seriously.
This will make it easier for users to avoid threats such as fake KYC calls, phishing links, and counterfeit apps.
Why is this initiative special in India?
A large portion of India's population now relies on digital transactions and smartphones. However, due to a lack of digital literacy, a significant number of people easily fall prey to online scammers. Therefore, Google's initiative is not only a technological solution but also an awareness campaign.
Expert Opinion
Cybersecurity experts believe that Google's initiative can play a significant role in reducing cybercrime in the future. This will motivate not only users but also app developers to make their platforms more secure.
