Technology giant Google has filed a lawsuit against two groups of scammers who have been taking advantage of the popularity of generative AI. The first group exploited public interest in AI by spreading malware through a counterfeit version of Google’s Bard AI tool. The second group used the Digital Millennium Copyright Act to harm their business competitors by filing fraudulent copyright notices.
In a statement, Halimah Prado, Google’s General Counsel, explained that the scammers established social media accounts to promote the download of the counterfeit Bard AI tool. Once downloaded, the file installed malicious software on users' devices, giving the scammers access to their social media accounts. Prado emphasized that the legitimate Google Bard does not require any downloads.
Google’s lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, seeks to stop the scammers from setting up domains and have them disabled by U.S. domain registrars. These actions are part of Google’s ongoing legal strategy to protect consumers and small businesses in emerging fields of innovation.
Prado affirmed that the company is committed to establishing clear rules against fraud, scams, and harassment and protecting the people who use the internet. She stated, “We believe that appropriate legal action and working with government officials puts scammers squarely in the crosshairs of justice, promoting a safer internet for everyone.”
In recent years, the popularity of generative AI tools has grown significantly, leading to an increased number of scammers attempting to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Google has been proactive in fighting against these bad actors, having filed approximately 300 takedowns related to this group of scammers since April.
The company hopes that this lawsuit will serve as a deterrent and provide a clear mechanism for preventing similar scams in the future. By taking legal action and working with government officials, Google aims to protect the unprecedented culture of innovation in the United States and maintain a safer internet for all.
This case highlights the importance of cybersecurity and the need for constant vigilance in the digital era. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies and individuals to stay informed and cautious when it comes to online threats. As Prado stated, “Clear rules against fraud, scams, and harassment are important — no matter how novel the setting.”
Google’s actions in combating these scammers demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their users. Through ongoing legal strategies and collaboration with law enforcement, the company is actively working to protect consumers and set legal precedents in emerging fields of innovation.
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