Super important, very critical: Google India head on tackling misinformation, deepfakes in AI era
New technologies like AI have opened massive opportunities but pose challenges like
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
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Lower water usage, international demand and an opportunity to grow a third crop: This is why Punjab farmers are going for basmati this year
1 2 Amritsar: Lower water usage, international demand and an opportunity to grow a third crop between seasons are spurring farmers in Punjab's Majha region to cultivate basmati despite only marginal differences in earnings compared to traditional paddy. Last year, basmati fetched an average price of over Rs 3,300 per quintal in the private market, ranging between Rs 2,531 and Rs 3,550. Paddy was sold at around Rs 2,400 per quintal under the minimum support price (MSP) regime. Although paddy offers slightly higher yields, basmati's added advantages are fuelling the shift. "Unlike paddy, basmati requires significantly less water, which aligns with the govt advisory of promoting sustainable farming amid growing water scarcity. Early-maturing basmati varieties like PUSA 1509 also allow farmers to grow a third crop—typically vegetables such as potatoes or peas—between the wheat and rice cycles, adding to their income," explained Tejinder Singh, chief executive officer of Amar Singh Chawla Wala, makers of the popular Lal Qila basmati brand, said. Basmati grown in the districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur, and parts of Tarn Taran commands higher demand compared to other areas, further incentivising farmers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Last year, out of the total 1.8 lakh hectares under paddy cultivation, 1.5 lakh hectares were under premium basmati varieties, while 30,000 hectares were used for traditional paddy. This year, the agriculture department aims to bring at least 10,000 additional hectares under basmati cultivation. "We're seeing unprecedented interest in basmati, especially in the high-yielding, disease-resistant PUSA 1692 variety, which delivers 22 to 24 quintals per hectare," said Dr Baljinder Singh Bhullar, chief agriculture officer. Dr Raman Kumar, subject matter specialist (plant protection), added that PUSA 1509 is a preferred short-duration variety, giving farmers sufficient time to plant another vegetable crop. "Farmers are increasingly opting for PUSA 1121, 1509, 1692, and similar basmati variants," he said. Farmers are also optimistic about prices this season, partly due to geopolitical developments especially Israel-Iran war. "Earlier, our basmati shipments were often returned due to pesticide residues, but with the ban on use of pesticides, Punjab's basmati is high in demand abroad. This year we expect it will fetch a handsome price due to demand from West Asian countries," said Ravinder Singh, a farmer from Amritsar.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Gemini Daily Horoscope Today, June 18, 2025: That flash of thought is a gift
Today brings a flash of insight—a sudden idea that may feel small but holds great value. This thought may arrive while walking, while writing, or even during a random conversation. Don't ignore it. Write it down, speak it out, explore it further. The planets are offering you a creative spark that can shape something meaningful. You don't have to act immediately, but do capture it. Today is not about overthinking—it's about trusting the wisdom that arrives without force. Inspiration comes softly. Gemini Love Horoscope Today In love, a spontaneous moment may bring emotional closeness. If in a relationship, try something unplanned—a sweet note, a surprise call, or an honest expression. It may change the mood beautifully. If you're single, don't dismiss someone who suddenly enters your thoughts. Maybe you need to reach out or respond. Love can begin from small, unexpected steps. Don't wait for the perfect plan. Sometimes, the most meaningful love stories begin with one random, brave moment of honesty. Gemini Career Horoscope Today Your work life benefits from new ideas today. You may get a solution to a problem that's been stuck or find a better way to organise tasks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indian Stewardess Makes Headlines Worldwide medalmerit Learn More Undo Trust your mental speed, but don't rush implementation. Share your thought with someone reliable if unsure. This is a good time to note down creative or business-related ideas that arrive without warning. Even if the day feels ordinary, your mind is silently preparing something new. Let this be the beginning of something smart. Gemini Money Horoscope Today Money matters may get a sudden spark too. A thought about a new way to save, earn, or manage your resources might show up in conversation or through a message. Pay attention to this sign. Don't dismiss the idea just because it's new or not seen before. Sit with it, plan slowly, and check its value. A small change today can bring more control in the coming weeks. Let inspiration guide your spending and saving. The heart and wallet can both grow. Gemini Health Horoscope Today Your health may be better than usual, but your mind may run fast. With so many thoughts, sleep could get disturbed or appetite may reduce. Calm the body with slow breathing and avoid overstimulation from news or screen time. Write down your thoughts to avoid mental overload. You may also feel a slight ache in the forehead or eyes—this is from thinking too much. The solution is simple—capture the useful thoughts, release the rest. Keep water nearby and rest your eyes often. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Need to empower local civic bodies to support double-digit economic growth in India, says Vijay Kelkar
1 2 3 Pune: Former finance secretary Vijay Kelkar on Tuesday called for a change in urban governance policies to help India achieve double-digit economic growth. "Going forward, cities are going to be engines of growth, and urban governance will become an important aspect of that growth," Kelkar said in Pune at an event to recognise his work. He is set to receive the Punyabhushan Puraskar, 2025, on June 23 for his contribution to the field of economics. The renowned economist has also served as advisor to the Union finance minister, chairman of the 13th finance commission, and executive director for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan at the International Monetary Fund. "Across the globe, mayors of major capital cities such as Beijing, Paris and New York are the second most powerful people in the country after presidents, premiers and prime ministers," Kelkar said. "But that is not the case in India as of now." "In the past, stalwarts have held the position of mayors," Kelkar said, and cited the examples of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the mayor of Calcutta (now Kolkata), F K Nariman (Bombay, now Mumbai), and veteran Congressman Kakasaheb Gadgil, who was the mayor of Pune. Pune has not had a mayor or civic elections for a few years now. The Supreme Court recently ordered state govt to conduct the long-pending civic elections in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ask A Pro: "I'm 70 with $1.4M in IRAs. Should I convert $120K/Year to a Roth?" SmartAsset Undo The term of several civic bodies in the state, including Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), expired in 2022. Kelkar reiterated that govt should consider sharing 33% of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with elected local bodies in addition to sharing it with central and state govts. "This would empower civic bodies to propagate economic growth in the country and improve social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, along with basic infrastructure such as roads and drainage systems," he said. He added that it would prevent cases like Ludhiana, which has the highest number of per capita Mercedes Benz cars, but a major part of the city does not have proper drainage systems. "Rich city but poor corporation. The next challenge is how we are going to make cities the engines of growth," Kelkar said. On GST, he lauded govt for implementing the regime at a faster pace compared to some other countries but added that it should reduce the tax bracket to a lower rate and reduce the complexity. The highest GST slab in India is 28%. The Indian economy is growing at the rate of 5.5% to 6.5% for the last decade, but it is not enough, Kelkar added. "India should aim for more than a 10% growth rate if it is to become an economic powerhouse, and it can do so only by utilising its demographic dividend. If we are not able to do that, we will become old before we become rich," Kelkar said.
