Hyderabad Becomes Google’s Cybersecurity Hub with GSEC Launch

In a significant boost to India’s digital and cybersecurity landscape, Google launched its first Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in the Asia-Pacific region in Hyderabad on June 18, 2025. The centre, inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is Google’s fourth GSEC globally and aims to drive advancements in cybersecurity, responsible AI, and user safety. The launch follows the company’s announcement of its “Safety Charter for India’s AI-led Transformation,” reinforcing its commitment to protecting digital citizens.

Why in News?

The inauguration of Google’s GSEC in Hyderabad marks a milestone for India’s role in the global cybersecurity landscape. With rising online threats and expanding AI capabilities, this centre positions India as a strategic digital defence hub, while promoting responsible technology development across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: June 18, 2025
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Status: Google’s 4th GSEC worldwide, 1st in Asia-Pacific
• Inaugurated By: Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy, IT Minister D Sridhar Babu, and Google executives

Core Objectives of GSEC

• Protect users from online fraud
• Secure enterprise and government infrastructure
• Build and test responsible AI systems

Technologies to Be Used

AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) for,

• Real-time scam alerts via Gemini Nano on Android
• Enhanced fraud detection across Gmail, Pay, and Search
• Strengthening of Google Play Protect
• Adversarial testing, red teaming, and watermarking via SynthID to prevent AI misuse

Statements by Key Stakeholders

CM Revanth Reddy

• “GSEC will make Telangana proud and boost cyber defence, job creation, and skill development.”
• Highlighted Telangana’s ambition to reach a $1 trillion economy by 2035
• Praised Google’s philosophy of “Do No Evil”

IT Minister D Sridhar Babu

• “Hyderabad is shaping the future, not just embracing it.”
• Emphasized the `2.68 lakh crore IT exports and 40,000 new jobs created in 2024–25
• Urged Google to extend digital safety to rural India

Google Executives

• Preeti Lobana: “GSEC brings global AI and cybersecurity expertise to support India’s digital trust.”
• Heather Adkins: “The centre will help narrow the defender-attacker gap globally.”

Google’s Broader Engagement in Telangana

• Operations in Hyderabad since 2007
• Over 7,000 employees in the state

Collaborations with government on,

• Education
• Traffic management
• Start-up ecosystem
• Skilling initiatives like Young India Skills University