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In Hyderabad, Google sets up its first safety engineering centre in Asia-Pacific region

In Hyderabad, Google sets up its first safety engineering centre in Asia-Pacific region

Indian Express18-06-2025
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy Wednesday inaugurated global tech giant Google's first Safety Engineering Centre in the country in Hyderabad. It is also the first dedicated Google Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in the Asia-Pacific region and joins a select group of such facilities worldwide, the others being in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga.
The high-tech cybersecurity hub, which is part of Google's largest campus outside the United States, will focus on artificial intelligence (AI)-driven research, advanced online safety tools, skill development, and is expected to create thousands of jobs.
Speaking at the event, Reddy said the world has changed since Google was launched. 'Today, our lives are totally digital. Today, we are worried about privacy, safety and security. Our economy, our government and our lives are digital. If digital is safe, we will grow. I am proud Google will use the cybersecurity hub to develop advanced security and safety solutions,' the chief minister added.
Confidently declaring that Telangana would be the most investment-friendly state for organisations worldwide, Reddy said, 'The first link you will find in your search is Hyderabad,' he added.
IT Minister D Sridhar Babu, meanwhile, highlighted Telangana's role as a 'torchbearer for other states in 'Ethical Innovation',' asserting that it has become a 'magnet for global capital' and will stand as a 'model of inclusive digital governance.' He elaborated on Hyderabad's growing prominence, stating, 'Hyderabad is not just a city, it is the future.'
He shared statistics, revealing that IT/IT-Enabled Services (ITES) exports from Hyderabad in 2024-25 were valued at Rs 2.68 lakh crore, creating 40,000 new IT jobs. He also noted that 7 out of the top 10 global tech giants operate in Hyderabad. Minister Babu expressed strong belief that the Google Safety Engineering Centre will elevate Hyderabad's IT sector to even greater heights and enhance the Hyderabad brand on the global stage.
Google India's vice-president and country manager Preeti Lobana said the tech giant's work in India revolved around a clear set of goals. 'Firstly, helping businesses thrive and grow. Secondly, empowering India's AI transformation. Thirdly, reimagining our core products so that these are more helpful and people can achieve more and lastly, ensuring digital safety,' she said.
Further, adding that trust is the bedrock of digital aspirations, she said that 'for the internet to truly serve as a force for good and for India and Indians to help realise the potential, safety and security cannot be an afterthought.'
Arijit Sarkar, V-P, Google's global ads business, said the company was not just opening a new centre but a profound statement of its commitment to India's digital safety and the vital role it plays in global online presence. Adding why Google wanted to set up a GSEC in Hyderabad, he said, 'India's digital journey continues to be nothing short of remarkable, connecting millions of people, unlocking unprecedented connections, commerce and growth. As the nation continues to have its rapid digital ascent, it is essential that we create a safe, secure and trustworthy online set up.'
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