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Technology

Google, Accel pick five India-linked AI startups

Google and venture capital firm Accel have chosen five artificial intelligence startups connected to India after evaluating more than 4,000 applications for their joint accelerator program, emphasizing the growing importance of building original AI technology rather than simple integrations.

The startups were selected for the Atoms accelerator, a program launched by Google and Accel to support early-stage AI companies developing products tied to India’s technology ecosystem. After a rigorous selection process, the firms picked K-Dense, Dodge.ai, Persistence Labs, Zingroll, and Level Plane for the new cohort.

During the screening process, investors found that a large portion of submissions lacked substantial technological depth. Around 70% of the applications were categorized as “AI wrappers,” meaning the products mainly relied on existing large AI models without creating meaningful proprietary technology or infrastructure.

According to the organizers, the final five startups demonstrated stronger technical foundations and clearer long-term innovation potential. Each company focuses on a different application of AI across industries.

K-Dense is developing an AI “co-scientist” aimed at supporting researchers and accelerating discoveries in fields such as life sciences and chemistry. Dodge.ai is building autonomous AI agents designed to work within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Persistence Labs is working on voice-based artificial intelligence tools for customer service and call-center operations.

Meanwhile, Zingroll is building a platform that enables AI-generated content for film and television production. Level Plane focuses on creating AI solutions to streamline enterprise workflows and improve operational efficiency.

Startups selected for the program may receive up to $2 million in investment from Accel and Google’s AI Futures Fund. In addition, they can access up to $350,000 worth of cloud and computing credits, including infrastructure from Google Cloud and advanced AI tools such as Gemini.

The initiative reflects a broader shift in the startup ecosystem, where investors are becoming more cautious about companies that simply layer existing AI models onto products without developing unique technology.

Through the accelerator, Google and Accel aim to support startups capable of building deeper AI systems with long-term global potential, while strengthening India’s growing role in the artificial intelligence landscape.

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Technology

Airtel + Google bring AI spam protection to RCS

Bharti Airtel and Google have teamed up to fight spam and fraud on RCS messaging, the upgraded messaging platform that allows users to share media, chat interactively, and receive messages from verified businesses. The partnership uses Airtel’s AI-powered spam detection to screen messages in real time, blocking unwanted or malicious content and ensuring a safer user experience.

With billions of spam calls and SMS already blocked by Airtel, the collaboration brings similar protections to enhanced messaging. Messages from verified businesses are clearly identified, while messages violating Do Not Disturb (DND) settings or containing suspicious links are filtered automatically.

Google said the partnership strengthens trust in RCS and encourages safe adoption of new messaging features. Airtel highlighted that AI-based spam detection at the network level can significantly reduce fraud and protect users from phishing attempts, unsafe links, and unwanted promotions.

The initiative is especially relevant in India, where millions rely on messaging platforms for personal and business communication. By blocking spam before it reaches users’ phones, the system provides peace of mind while making enhanced messaging more reliable.

In addition to filtering spam, the system ensures faster and more secure delivery of legitimate messages. Consumers can now interact with businesses safely, access interactive features, and trust that RCS messaging remains free from malicious content.

Experts say the collaboration sets a global example for integrating carrier-level AI security into messaging platforms. With billions of daily messages, Airtel and Google aim to make RCS safer, smarter, and more user-friendly, positioning India as a leader in secure next-generation messaging technologies.

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Technology

Google stops Antigravity access for OpenClaw tied accounts

Google has temporarily cut access to its Antigravity model for several users after detecting what it described as a spike in “malicious usage” tied to third‑party agent tools such as OpenClaw. The action affected both paid and premium subscribers who had linked their Google AI accounts to these external tools.

Many users began seeing 403 PERMISSION_DENIED errors and messages saying Antigravity access was disabled for violating Google’s Terms of Service. Reports of sudden lockouts appeared on Reddit and Google support forums in mid‑February, with affected customers saying they received little or no prior warning.

Google said the suspension was necessary to stop abusive activity that was degrading service for legitimate users. The company indicated it was targeting accounts that used Antigravity in ways it did not intend and suggested some users might regain access after review.

Developers of third‑party tools reacted quickly. The creator of OpenClaw called Google’s enforcement strict and said he would remove Antigravity support to protect users. Other developers advised switching from OAuth account linking to API keys or moving to alternative model providers to avoid similar disruptions.

Community troubleshooting threads urged users who see the “disabled for violation” notice to check whether they had exposed Antigravity OAuth tokens through agent frameworks and to stop using those integrations. Users who believe they were blocked in error are advised to contact Google support with details of their setup.

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Corporate

Sundar Pichai announces $15-bn AI investment for India

Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Friday announced a $15-billion investment to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and capabilities in India, saying the country has the potential to become a major global hub for AI.

Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, Pichai described AI as the most important technological shift of our time and said it can bring large-scale changes in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and scientific research.

A major part of Google’s plan includes building strong digital infrastructure, improving compute capacity and supporting a full-stack AI ecosystem in the country. He also highlighted the need to train students, developers and professionals so that India’s workforce is ready for the AI era.

Pichai said India’s digital public platforms, large pool of tech talent and fast-growing startup ecosystem give it a unique advantage in the global AI race. He praised efforts to develop AI models that work in Indian languages and understand local needs, calling them essential for making the technology useful for millions of people.

At the same time, he cautioned that the benefits of AI will not come automatically. According to him, governments, companies and academic institutions must work together to ensure the technology is developed and used responsibly. He stressed that AI should reduce inequality, not increase it, and must be accessible and affordable to all.

Pichai also pointed to scientific breakthroughs powered by AI, such as AlphaFold, to show how the technology can help solve complex global challenges.

On the sidelines of the event, Pichai was seen tasting Indian GI-tagged coffee, reacting with a cheerful “wow”, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

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1 Minute-Read

Former NPR host alleges Google cloned his voice

Veteran radio journalist David Greene has taken legal action against Google, claiming its AI feature in NotebookLM reproduced his recognisable on-air voice without consent.

Greene said the AI-generated presenter matches his rhythm, tone and speaking quirks so closely that friends assumed he had authorised its use. A forensic voice study submitted with the lawsuit reported a similarity of more than 50%. Google has dismissed the allegation, maintaining the audio was created using a professional voice actor.

The dispute highlights mounting concerns over how generative AI systems are trained and whether individuals have rights over their vocal identity in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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Corporate

Google offers exit to staff not ready for AI shift

Google is giving some employees the option to leave the company voluntarily as it focuses more on artificial intelligence (AI). Staff who feel they cannot keep up with the company’s AI plans or are not fully committed can take severance packages to help them transition out.

The offer is mainly for employees in the Global Business Organisation (GBO), including teams in sales support, corporate development, and solutions. However, large customer-facing sales teams in the US and some frontline staff are not included, to avoid affecting clients.

Philipp Schindler, Google’s Chief Business Officer, told staff that the company started 2026 in a strong position but needs everyone to be fully engaged with AI to stay competitive. He emphasized that the technology world is changing fast, and Google wants employees who are “all in” on AI.

This is not the first time Google has done this. Over the past year, similar exit options were offered to teams in engineering, Android, Core, and YouTube as part of reorganizing around AI and productivity.

Industry experts say this is part of a broader trend in big tech. Companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are also reshaping teams and offering incentives or restructuring to focus on AI.

For employees, the program is a chance to leave voluntarily with financial support if they feel their skills or interests don’t match Google’s AI direction. For the company, it allows a smoother transition to an AI-first workforce without major layoffs.

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Technology

Google launches AI Tools for JEE prep in India

Google is stepping into Indian classrooms with tools that aim to make learning more personalised and accessible. From free JEE Main practice tests to an AI-enabled university pilot, the tech giant is trying to blend technology with everyday learning.

Students preparing for the highly competitive JEE Main can now use Google’s AI platform Gemini to take full-length mock tests anytime, anywhere. Just ask Gemini, and it provides exam-style questions from trusted partners like PhysicsWallah and Careers360, along with instant feedback and explanations. This helps students see where they excel and where they need a bit more practice, turning AI into a virtual study companion.

Beyond exam prep, Google is also investing in the future of classroom learning. Its philanthropic arm, Google.org, has pledged ₹85 crore to Wadhwani AI to bring AI-driven educational tools to public schools and colleges. The funding aims to reach 75 million students and nearly 2 million teachers by 2027, offering tools like voice-based lessons in local languages and smarter digital classrooms that adapt to students’ needs.

On a larger scale, Google Cloud has partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut, to launch India’s first AI-enabled university pilot. The project will integrate AI in teaching, learning, and administration,  from AI tutors to multilingual support, making education more inclusive, interactive, and efficient.

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Technology

Google settles $68mn privacy lawsuit

Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a U.S. class-action lawsuit accusing its voice assistant of recording private conversations without user permission. The settlement was filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, and now awaits approval from a judge before it becomes final.

The lawsuit claimed that Google Assistant, which powers devices such as smart speakers, smartphones, and smart displays, sometimes recorded conversations even when users did not intentionally activate it with trigger phrases like “Hey Google” or “Ok Google.” These accidental recordings, known as “false accepts,” allegedly captured private discussions that could be shared with third parties or used for targeted advertising.

The lawsuit covered anyone who had a Google Assistant-enabled device since May 18, 2016, potentially including millions of users. While Google has denied any wrongdoing, it said the settlement was intended to avoid prolonged legal battles, uncertainty, and costs associated with litigation.

If approved, the $68 million fund will pay eligible users and cover legal fees. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs may receive up to one-third of the total settlement, approximately $22.7 million, for their work.

This settlement follows a similar case involving Apple, which in 2025 agreed to pay $95 million over allegations that Siri also recorded users without consent. Experts say these cases highlight growing concerns about voice assistant privacy and the responsibilities of tech companies in protecting user data.

The Google settlement emphasizes the importance of transparency and consent in devices that are always listening.

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Technology

ChatGPT adds ads, Google’s Gemini stays clean

OpenAI has started testing advertisements in its ChatGPT chatbot, marking a key shift in how generative AI is monetised. Ads will appear at the bottom of responses for free-tier users and those on the lower-cost ChatGPT Go plan, while paid subscribers,  including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise,  will remain ad-free. OpenAI assures that ads will be clearly labeled, won’t influence responses, and user conversations won’t be shared with advertisers.

The move is aimed at generating additional revenue from ChatGPT’s large user base, currently estimated at around 800 million weekly active users, without forcing subscription fees on everyone. This step reflects OpenAI’s push to balance monetisation with user trust, especially as AI infrastructure costs continue to rise.

In contrast, Google has no plans to introduce ads into its Gemini AI assistant. Dan Taylor, Google VP of Global Ads, said inserting ads could undermine the assistant’s purpose, which is to help users analyse, create, and complete tasks. Instead, Google focuses on integrating AI-powered ad surfaces in products like AI Overviews in search results, where ads can coexist without affecting the core AI assistant experience.

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Technology

Google launches AI shopping protocol

Google has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open-source standard designed to let AI agents manage online shopping for users. This protocol allows AI systems to discover products, compare prices, handle checkout, and manage orders without needing custom integrations for each retailer.

The protocol was developed in collaboration with major retail and payment partners including Shopify, Wayfair, Target, Walmart, Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe. It is designed to work across multiple platforms, making it easier for developers to build AI agents that can interact with different merchants and payment systems seamlessly.

UCP also integrates with complementary standards like the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) for secure payments, Agent2Agent (A2A) for agent communication, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) for sharing context between AI systems. This makes the ecosystem more secure and interoperable.

Industry experts see UCP as a key step toward AI-driven commerce, where smart assistants could become the main interface for online shopping, similar to how mobile apps transformed e-commerce in the past decade.

For users, this means AI assistants like Google’s Gemini app or AI Mode in Search could soon handle the full shopping process, from finding products to completing payments, without leaving Google’s interface. Google Pay will handle transactions initially, with other payment systems planned in the future. Retailers remain the merchant of record, retaining control over data and order management.

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