Super important, very critical: Google India head on tackling misinformation, deepfakes in AI era
deepfakes
,
Google India
's Country Manager and Vice President
Preeti Lobana
said asserting that fighting
misinformation
remains a top priority for the tech giant, which relies on strong policies, advanced
AI technology
, and human oversight to address these issues systematically.
The Asia Pacific region is particularly seeing higher degree of scams/frauds and misinformation has been a challenge, she said adding Google is stepping up its efforts to curb misleading and fake content.
Noting that Google last year had announced plans for launching 'Google Safety Engineering Centre' in India, Lobana termed the move "imminent".
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
"This (tackling misinformation) is super important for us, when you think about our mission, about information being universally accessible and organising it in a certain way, making sure that we are tackling misinformation in a very systematic manner is very, very critical. So...(it is about) having the right policies and guidelines, having the right technology, having the right human oversight to make sure that we are catching misinformation," she said.
With innovations like
SynthID
for watermarking and verifying AI-generated content, Google is also working with partners to strengthen content authenticity and trust.
Live Events
"...we're introducing innovation like SynthID, so when any content is created using some of Google's AI tools, there is an invisible watermark, and it's pretty strong technology, because even if it is shared across multiple people or edited, it is detectable," she said.
Discover the stories of your interest
Blockchain
5 Stories
Cyber-safety
7 Stories
Fintech
9 Stories
E-comm
9 Stories
ML
8 Stories
Edtech
6 Stories
Google has also introduced a SynthID verifier that allows users to upload content and detect whether or not a video is synthetic or AI generated.
Pointing out that fight against misinformation is always a work in progress she said Google is collaborating with other stakeholders in the ecosystem as well on provenance and authenticity.
" These are our efforts. The ecosystem needs to come together, but it is deeply important to us to make sure that we are combating that," she said.
Noting that Google had announced last year plans to launch Google Safety Engineering Centre in India, Lobana termed the move "imminent". On Tuesday, the company also unveiled Google Safety Charter for India's AI-led transformation.
As per Google, the charter is a blueprint for tackling the online world's new challenges collaboratively with the wider ecosystem. This includes keeping the end user safe from online frauds and scams; cybersecurity for government and enterprise infrastructure; and building AI responsibly.
Lobana said while AI, like other technologies in the past, had unlocked creative potential, it had fuelled a surge in misinformation and deepfakes.
"Therefore our effort is to make sure that whatever content is created using our AI, there are watermarks on that, and then (the idea is) enabling and sharing tools through which a wider section of users can upload some of this content to be able to identify it. But like I said, it is about working with a broader ecosystem as well, because multiple AIs are used to generate some of this content," she said.
Combating misinformation and deepfakes is a work in progress and an area of deep focus for not just Google, but others in the industry, Lobana noted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
24 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Tech Wrap Aug 21: Google Pixel 10 series, Apple store, WhatsApp voicemail
Google Pixel 10 series pre-order. Apple to open third store in India. WhatsApp's Voicemail feature. Google Pixel Watch 4, Buds 2a. ROG Xbox Ally, Ally X handhelds launch confirmed BS Tech New Delhi Listen to This Article Google Pixel 10 series launched: Check India pricing, availability and more Google has rolled out the Pixel 10 series in India, featuring the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Pre-orders are now live for all models except the foldable variant. Buyers can avail offers like cashback on select bank cards, trade-in bonuses, and no-cost EMI options for up to 24 months. Apple is gearing up to launch its third official retail outlet in India—Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru—on September 2. The opening comes just ahead of the expected iPhone 17 lineup reveal. The new store will join Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in New Delhi as part of the company's expanding India presence. WhatsApp is preparing a voicemail-like feature that enables users to leave a recorded message if a call is missed. According to WABetaInfo, the functionality is currently being tested by select Android beta users. The feature mirrors traditional voicemail and aims to streamline communication on the app. Alongside the Pixel 10 series, Google has also introduced the Pixel Watch 4 and Buds 2a at the Made by Google event on August 20. The Pixel Watch 4 runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, while the Buds 2a are powered by Google's Tensor A1 chip. Pricing and availability details for the Indian market have been revealed for both devices. ASUS and Microsoft have announced the global launch of two new handheld consoles—the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X—set for October 16, 2025, across 30+ countries. While the exact India launch date has not been confirmed, Microsoft has said the devices will enter the Indian market after the global rollout. Google has introduced the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, its 2025 book-style foldable smartphone. It becomes the first foldable to feature IP68 certification for dust and water protection along with Qi2 magnetic wireless charging support. The device goes head-to-head with recent foldables like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Vivo's X Fold 5. Apple has issued iOS 18.6.2 for compatible iPhones, urging immediate installation. The update fixes a major security loophole, which Apple described as an 'extremely sophisticated attack' targeting specific individuals. No new features are part of the release, suggesting it may be the last iOS 18 update before the stable release of iOS 26 in September. The Pixel 10 series lineup includes the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Of these, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are positioned as the top-tier flagships, equipped with Google's most advanced hardware and software to date. Here's a look at what the Pro models offer. Chats between users and Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, have reportedly surfaced on Google Search. According to Forbes, users who clicked the 'share' button within Grok exposed their conversations, which were subsequently indexed by search engines—making them publicly accessible online. Along with the Pixel 10 series, Pixel Watch 4, and Buds 2a, Google has refreshed its second-generation Pixel Buds Pro. The update adds gesture-based AI features like 'Answer texts and calls hands-free,' enabling users to nod to accept or shake their head to reject. A new colour option has also been introduced. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has released a high-severity advisory for desktop users of Google Chrome. According to the agency, a security flaw in Chrome could allow attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code on affected systems. CERT-In has rated this vulnerability as 'High' in terms of severity. Unveiled on August 20, the Pixel 10 lineup—including Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold—brings Gemini-powered AI features to smartphones. Key additions include Magic Cue and Camera Coach. All models ship with Android 16, while Pro variants also come bundled with a one-year Google AI Pro subscription, unlocking tools such as Imagen 4 and Veo 3 for advanced image and video generation. Google has officially revealed the Pixel 10, its entry-level flagship, which brings notable upgrades over the Pixel 9. Enhancements include a more efficient processor, brighter display, larger battery, and a new telephoto camera. Combined with on-device AI improvements, the Pixel 10 aims to deliver faster, smarter, and more flexible performance than its predecessor.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Delay in release of 11% DA to govt employees results in uproar in vidhan sabha
1 2 Shimla: The fourth day of proceedings in vidhan sabha's monsoon session on Thursday witnessed uproar as the opposition BJP legislators entered the well of the house, raising anti-govt slogans and later left the House over the non-release of the total 11% pending dearness allowance (DA) to over 2.42 lakh govt employees, despite the chief minister's commitment in the budget speech to release it from May 15. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, however, stood his ground, acknowledging making provision for the DA in the 2025-26 budget and reasoned the delay in disbursal on account of the hill state's grim financial condition. However, Sukhu assured that he would honour his commitment as soon as the state's financial condition improves in the coming months of this fiscal. The hill state's debt has already mounted to over Rs 1.03 lakh crore. "I am glad to announce that the dearness allowance at the rate of 3% will be released to the state govt employees from May 15, 2025," reads the budget speech delivered by Sukhu on March 17. Launching a scathing attack on the state govt during the question hour, BJP legislator from Una, Satpal Singh Satti, reminded the chief minister of his budget announcement. He questioned why the govt needed to mislead the public and run away from its commitment, as govt employees are awaiting the 11% DA release. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Best SIP Plans for NRIs in Bosnia And Herzegovina – Get ₹2L Monthly Pension | Invest ₹18K PB Learn More Undo Adding to it, the leader of the opposition, Jairam Thakur, reminded that the govt employees played a significant role in the formation of the Congress govt in the state, as they were annoyed with the previous BJP govt over the non-implementation of the old pension scheme. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the state govt to fulfil its commitment of releasing 11% DA to the govt employees, he said. "It becomes a matter of privilege if the chief minister announces something in the House and fails to honour the commitment," said Thakur. To this, speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania replied, "That is your right, and you can resort to that also." Later, the leader of the opposition stated that nearly Rs 2,000 crore on account of employees' DA arrears have been stopped by the govt. The chief minister shot back at the opposition, asserting that the Congress govt has already disbursed 11% DA to employees after it came to power in Dec 2022 and the remaining 11% will also be released. Since the old pension scheme for employees was approved in the first cabinet meeting, the central govt curtailed the state's Rs 1,600 crore per annum additional borrowing limit, he stated, adding that this has resulted in a Rs 4,800 crore loss to the state govt in three years. Sukhu asserted that the previous BJP govt implemented the 6th pay commission in the run-up to the Dec 2022 state assembly elections but passed on Rs 10,000 crore liabilities to the Congress govt. Listing the state's fiscal challenges, the chief minister also highlighted that the previous BJP govt even used to receive an Rs 11,000 crore revenue deficit grant (RDG) from the central govt in a year, which has now reduced to Rs 3,200 crore per year. Sukhu's assertion, however, did little to appease the BJP legislators, who then chose to enter the well of the House, raised slogans for nearly 10 minutes seeking a definite deadline for the release of DA, and thereafter moved out of the legislative assembly. 'Bharat Ratna to YS Parmar' The vidhan sabha unanimously passed the resolution to request the central govt to bestow Bharat Ratna on the founder and first chief minister of the state, Yashwant Singh Parmar, in view of his valuable contribution to the formation and progress of the hill state. Congress MLA from Nahan constituency in Sirmaur district had moved the resolution. A Congress leader, Parmar served as chief minister from 1952 to 1956 and thereafter from 1963 to 1977. He breathed his last on May 2, 1981. Election in University & Colleges Education minister Rohit Thakur, while speaking on a resolution moved by the BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar, said it would not be advisable as of now to allow student union elections in the state's universities and colleges as the incidents of violence have increased due to these elections. These elections were stopped in the year 2013. He said that elections are very important for bringing forth new leadership, but at the same time, the history of violence during these elections is also not hidden from anyone. The minister added that there are 16 sitting MLAs who have studied at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. But he assured to consider this issue in the near future at an appropriate time. Later, Parmar withdrew the resolution. Misleading Power Bills Congress MLA from Nagrota, RS Bali, during the zero hour, sought action against erring officials for providing misleading information to the vidhan sabha about his official residence's electricity bill. The information showed Rs 6.78 lakh as the power bill for his residence for 14 months, though the actual amount was Rs 2.68 lakh for 32 months. On this, chief minister Sukhu clarified that power bills of ministers' houses are generated by the electricity department, but the payment is cleared through the PWD. He added that the PWD mistakenly added the arrears in the power bill and directions have been issued to make corrections as the power bill for the CM's residence was also shown as Rs 3.76 lakh in place of Rs 1.45 lakh. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
PM set to launch power, tourism & industrial projects from Gaya today
Patna/Gaya/Buxar: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's visit to Gaya on Friday is set to mark a major moment for Bihar with the launch and inauguration of projects worth nearly Rs 13,000 crore covering energy, infrastructure, tourism and industrial development. Prominent among them is the commissioning of the first 660MW unit of the Buxar thermal power project at Chausa, which will be virtually inaugurated by the PM from Gaya. Officials said a successful trial run was conducted last week and power supply would now flow directly to grid stations at Patna, Karmanasha and Dehri-on-Sone. "This moment marks a milestone not just for Buxar but for the entire state," said Pulak Chandra Upadhyay, in charge of commissioning. At the same event, the PM will inaugurate or lay foundation stones for projects linked to health, power, urban development and religious tourism. Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary said, "The tourism sector developed in Bihar under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar is opening new doors of prosperity. The new projects to be launched will play an important role in making the state economically and socially strong and will also expand employment opportunities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo " He said special focus has been given to boosting connectivity to religious destinations. These include a train service under the Buddha Circuit from Vaishali to Koderma, a 1.86-km-long six-lane bridge over the Ganga to improve access to Simaria Dham in Begusarai, and the Sultanganj-Deoghar railway line. Other schemes include the revival of Sikh sites such as Patna Sahib, the construction of five-star hotels at Rajgir and Vaishali, beautification of the Ramayana Circuit, and promotion of rural tourism through homestay programmes. HAM(S) national president and minister Santosh Suman said the PM's visit would give a major push to Gayaji's growth. "The PM will gift projects worth Rs 1,675 crore and inaugurate the proposed industrial corridor in Gaya," he said. The political significance of the visit is equally important with the Magadh region historically seen as a weak spot for the NDA. The sprawling Magadh University campus has transformed into a massive meeting venue. Spread over 38 acres, the site has been equipped with six waterproof mega pandals and more than one lakh chairs for attendees. East Gaya BJP president Vijay Manjhi said people were travelling from across Magadh as well as neighbouring Jharkhand districts to attend. "In view of the humid weather and expected crowd density, adequate medical and paramedical staff will remain on site," he said. Security has been tightened with the Special Protection Group sanitising and sealing the venue while air traffic will remain suspended during the Prime Minister's stay. Traffic curbs mean all but VVIPs and VIPs will have to walk over a kilometre to reach the site. Manjhi added that NDA workers had spread out to villages to carry the PM's message of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas". "The public response has been very good," he said, adding that allies JD(U) were also fully engaged. Senior JD(U) leader Lalji Prasad said working president Sanjay Jha had visited Gaya twice to motivate party cadres ahead of the rally. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
