PHDCCI Hosts National Conference on AI-Driven Consumer Protection in Retail & E-Commerce

New Delhi, 17 September 2025 – The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) convened a high-level conference today focused on “Harnessing AI to Combat Frauds and Counterfeits in Retail & E-Commerce.” The event brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts to explore how Artificial Intelligence can be leveraged to safeguard consumers, protect businesses, and reinforce trust in India’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Delivering the keynote address, Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, emphasized that consumer trust is the cornerstone of e-commerce. She highlighted the need for proactive systems and noted that AI-powered fraud detection tools can play a transformative role in real-time prevention.

“Innovation must continue, but never at the cost of consumer safety. AI gives us the means to achieve both—if we use it responsibly,” she stated.

Smt. Padma Jaiswal, IAS, Secretary to the Government of UT/State, Union Territory of Puducherry, underscored the economic significance of e-commerce and cautioned against the risks posed by unchecked counterfeiting and fraud. She called for stricter compliance, product standardization, and robust monitoring frameworks, with AI serving as a central pillar in consumer protection.

From the regulatory perspective, Dr. Ravi Gandhi, Chair of PHDCCI’s Retail, E-commerce & Consumer Affairs Committee and President of Reliance Retail Limited, noted the convergence of telecom and digital commerce, which has introduced new vulnerabilities. He advocated for continuous regulatory evolution and the deployment of AI and data analytics to detect anomalies and enhance consumer confidence.

Representing the industry, Mr. Aman Jain, Member, PHDCCI & Director, Public Policy, Amazon, highlighted the impact of counterfeit goods on both consumers and legitimate businesses. He called for deeper collaboration between government, regulators, and private enterprises to scale AI-driven systems that can swiftly identify and eliminate fraudulent listings.

“The fight against counterfeits cannot be fought in isolation. Collaboration is the only way forward,” he said.

Mr. Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, provided a macroeconomic context, citing the Reserve Bank of India’s report which revealed that while the number of fraud cases declined, the total value surged to ₹36,000 crore in FY 2025. He emphasized that responsible and transparent use of AI is essential to convert digital acceleration into digital safety.

Closing the conference, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, reiterated that consumer awareness remains the most effective defense against fraud. He acknowledged the support of the Department of Consumer Affairs through its ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ initiative and reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment to bridging policy and industry to strengthen consumer protection.

The conference concluded with a unified message: technology must be embraced as a shield, not a threat. With responsible deployment, AI has the potential to become the foundation of trust in India’s digital commerce landscape—ensuring growth that is secure, inclusive, and sustainable.