Google Sues Scammers Exploiting Generative AI Hype to Spread Malware

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Google Files Lawsuit Against Scammers in California

Google has initiated legal proceedings against scammers exploiting the excitement around generative AI to trick individuals into installing malware. The tech giant has filed a lawsuit in California, accusing individuals from Vietnam of creating social media pages and ads that prompt users to “download” its generative AI tool, Bard. Unfortunately, the download actually installs malware on users’ computers, enabling scammers to pilfer their social media login details.

Scammers Pretend to Be Affiliated with Google

In the lawsuit, Google states that the defendants, whose identities are unknown, falsely claim to provide the latest version of Google Bard for download. They have used Google trademarks, such as Google, Google AI, and Bard, to lure unsuspecting victims into downloading malware. The scammers have particularly relied on promoted Facebook posts to distribute the malicious software.

Exploiting Interest in Emerging Technology

Similar to crypto scams, the lawsuit highlights how scammers exploit people’s curiosity about emerging technologies, taking advantage of their lack of understanding. In this case, the scammers imply that Bard is a paid service or app that users need to download, when it is actually available for free at bard.google.com.

Google Takes Action and Seeks Legal Precedent

Google has already submitted approximately 300 takedown requests related to these scammers. However, the company is now seeking to prevent them from setting up future malicious domains and to have them disabled by US domain registrars. In a blog post, Google’s general counsel, Halimah DeLaine Prado, states that lawsuits are an effective means of establishing legal precedents, disrupting scammers’ tools, and increasing the consequences for bad actors.