Helping older relatives use AI safely

Why your help matters

Many older people in Pakistan now use smartphones, WhatsApp and video calls. AI tools such as chatbots and voice assistants can help them too. They can read text aloud, translate a message or answer a question in Urdu.

Older relatives are also a favourite target for scammers. Patient help from a family member is one of the best protections they have.

Before you start

• Ask what they want to do. Read the news in large text? Ask everyday questions? Send voice messages? Start from their need, not the technology.
• Use their own phone, so they learn on the device they will use.
• Go slowly. Show one thing, then let them do it themselves. Write the steps down in their language.
• Respect their choices. Some people will not want to use AI. That is fine.

Setting up a chatbot or voice assistant

1. Install from the official app store only. Show them how to recognise the real app. Fake "AI" apps exist. See fake AI apps and investment scams.
2. Set up the account together with a strong password. Keep a note of it somewhere safe at home.
3. Turn on voice input if typing is hard. Most phones and many chatbots let you speak instead of type.
4. Check the privacy settings together. Turn off chat history or memory if they prefer. See AI and your privacy.
5. Practise with easy questions: a recipe, the meaning of a word, a short translation or a simple explanation of a news topic.

For a fuller walk-through, see getting started with free chatbots.

Teach three simple ideas

• AI can be wrong. It sounds confident even when it is mistaken. Answers about health, money or legal matters must be checked with a qualified doctor, adviser or lawyer. AI does not replace them.
• AI is not a person. It does not know them and should not be trusted with secrets.
• Never share private details. No CNIC number, bank details, PINs or codes. See using AI safely.

Scam awareness

Scammers now use AI to sound more convincing. Go through these with your relatives calmly and more than once.

• Voice clone calls. A call that sounds like you, asking for money urgently. Agree a family code word. See deepfake and voice scams.
• Fake officials. Callers claiming to be from a bank, mobile network or government office who ask for an OTP or a "verification" fee.
• Fake videos of famous people promoting investments, prizes or loans.
• Prize and lottery messages that ask for a fee to release winnings.

Agree one rule above all: before sending money or sharing a code, call a family member first. Make sure they know you will never be annoyed by that call.

Make it easy to ask for help

• Save your number and another trusted relative's number at the top of their contacts.
• Write the key rules on a card and keep it near the phone.
• Check in regularly. Ask, "Have you had any strange calls or messages?"
• If something goes wrong, do not blame them. Help them keep evidence and report it. The helplines are listed in our guide on deepfake and voice scams.

Signs they may need more help

• New apps on their phone that they do not remember installing
• Unusual payments from their wallet or bank account
• Seeming secretive or worried after calls
• Talk of an investment or prize that sounds too good to be true

Share our scam check prompt so they can test a doubtful message.