Google has announced the introduction of an Enhanced Fraud Protection feature for Android devices in India, aimed at blocking high-risk app installations.

This initiative was unveiled during the annual 'Google for India' event, where the company emphasized its commitment to combatting online fraud and scams in the country.

Google's analysis indicates that over 95% of suspicious installations arise from sideloading scenarios that request sensitive permissions, making this feature crucial for user safety.

The permissions targeted by this initiative include access to SMS, notifications, and accessibility features, which are frequently exploited in financial scams.

This new feature is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, who may struggle to distinguish between legitimate and malicious apps.

Google is adopting a multi-level approach to combat mobile app fraud, collaborating with financial firms and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.

These existing measures have issued over 41 million warnings about fraudulent transactions, emphasizing the ongoing need for enhanced security in digital transactions.

The Enhanced Fraud Protection feature will be integrated into the Digi Kavach program, which Google launched last year to improve online safety in India.

The Enhanced Fraud Protection feature has been successfully tested in Singapore, where it prevented 900,000 high-risk app installations over six months.

The feature specifically targets sideloading, which allows users to install apps from outside the official Google Play store, a common method used by fraudsters to access sensitive permissions.

As part of its broader strategy, Google plans to open a new Safety Engineering Center in India in 2025, focusing on enhancing online safety and security solutions.

Since last year, Google has reported saving over Rs 13,000 crore from scams, highlighting the effectiveness of its existing fraud protection measures.