Google launched its first Asia-Pacific Safety Engineering Centre in Hyderabad , focusing on online safety, cybersecurity, and responsible AI. The GSEC aims to combat cyber threats, create jobs, and position India as a global tech hub, fostering a safer digital future for the region.

On June 17, 2025, Google launched its first Google Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad, India, marking a pivotal moment for digital security in the Asia-Pacific. Inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu, this state-of-the-art facility is Google’s fourth GSEC globally, joining centers in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga. As India’s digital economy races toward a projected $1 trillion valuation by 2030, the Hyderabad GSEC positions the country as a global hub for cybersecurity and responsible AI innovation.

This article explores the GSEC’s objectives, its significance for India, and its role in shaping a safer digital landscape, offering insights into why this development is a cornerstone for the region’s tech future.

A Strategic Hub for Digital Safety

The Hyderabad GSEC is Google’s first safety engineering center in the Asia-Pacific, a region facing rising cyber threats like scams, phishing, and misinformation. With over 1.2 billion internet users in India, the need for robust digital protections is critical. The center focuses on three pillars: online safety, cybersecurity, and responsible AI development, aligning with Google’s mission to foster a secure internet.

Announced at the Safer with Google India Summit, Google’s Safety Charter outlines a roadmap for user protection. Initiatives like Google Play Protect, which blocked nearly 60 million high-risk app installations since its India pilot in October 2024, and Google Pay, which issued 41 million scam transaction warnings, highlight Google’s proactive stance. The GSEC will harness advanced AI and human expertise to develop cutting-edge tools, ensuring users stay ahead of evolving threats.

Why Hyderabad? The Heart of India’s Tech Revolution

Hyderabad’s selection as the GSEC’s home underscores its reputation as India’s “Cyber City.” Hosting tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, the city boasts world-class IT infrastructure and a skilled workforce. Telangana’s investor-friendly policies were key to securing this project. In August 2024, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu visited Google’s global headquarters, finalizing the GSEC deal—a milestone celebrated in posts on X by the Telangana CM’s office and local tech enthusiasts.

The GSEC will create high-skill jobs, drive collaboration with academia, and fuel AI-driven cybersecurity innovation. Google’s partnership with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) through the Digikavach program strengthens its efforts to combat cybercrime nationwide. By choosing Hyderabad, Google taps into India’s tech prowess while elevating the city’s global standing as a digital innovation hub.

Core Objectives of the Hyderabad GSEC

The GSEC is poised to address critical challenges in the digital era through targeted initiatives:

1. Enhancing Online Safety: The center will develop tools to protect users from scams, fraudulent apps, and phishing, building on the success of Digikavach and Google Play Protect’s 60 million blocked installations.
2. Strengthening Cybersecurity: By integrating AI with human oversight, the GSEC will identify software vulnerabilities, as seen in Google’s Project Zero collaboration with DeepMind, mitigating risks proactively.
3. Promoting Responsible AI: With AI adoption soaring, the center will focus on ethical AI development to counter deepfakes and misinformation. Google India’s head, Preeti Lobana, emphasized trust as the cornerstone of India’s digital growth.
4. Fostering Collaboration: The GSEC will work with local stakeholders, including governments and universities, to build a resilient digital ecosystem.

These objectives align with India’s vision to become a global tech leader, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and position the GSEC as a catalyst for sustainable digital progress.

Impact on India’s Digital Ecosystem

The Hyderabad GSEC is a transformative step for India’s tech landscape. It elevates India’s role in global cybersecurity while addressing AI-era challenges. For businesses, the center offers a platform to strengthen security frameworks; for users, it promises a safer online experience free from fraud and synthetic content. The focus on responsible AI is timely, given global concerns about AI ethics.

Economically, the GSEC will drive job creation and skill development, positioning Hyderabad as a cybersecurity research hub. Collaborations with local startups and academia will spur innovation, creating a ripple effect across India’s tech sector. As CM Revanth Reddy noted, “The GSEC will serve India and the global community, cementing Hyderabad’s place on the world tech map.”

Regionally, the GSEC will address Asia-Pacific-specific threats, supporting neighboring countries in building secure digital ecosystems. Google’s $75 million AI Opportunity Fund for India, aimed at upskilling 10 million people, complements the GSEC’s mission by promoting digital literacy and inclusion.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The GSEC faces hurdles, including the rapid evolution of AI-driven scams like deepfakes, which demand continuous innovation. Ensuring digital safety tools reach India’s diverse population—urban and rural alike—requires strategic outreach. Balancing AI’s potential with ethical considerations remains complex.

Yet, the opportunities are immense. By nurturing local talent and fostering global partnerships, the GSEC can set benchmarks for cybersecurity and AI governance. Its success could attract further tech investments, amplifying India’s global influence. Hyderabad’s role as a hub for responsible AI research could shape international standards for ethical technology.

Google’s launch of its first Asia-Pacific Safety Engineering Centre in Hyderabad is a landmark for India’s digital journey. By prioritizing online safety, cybersecurity, and responsible AI, the GSEC addresses the needs of India’s 1.2 billion internet users while reinforcing the country’s status as a tech powerhouse. Hyderabad’s emergence as a global cybersecurity hub signals a new era of trust and innovation.

As the GSEC begins its work, it holds the promise of a safer, smarter digital India. Stay tuned for updates on how this center shapes the future of technology in India and beyond.