GOOGLE SUES CHINESE CYBERCRIME NETWORK OVER AI-POWERED SCAMS

Google has filed a lawsuit against Outsider Enterprise, an alleged Chinese cybercrime network accused of operating a large-scale fraud scheme using artificial intelligence. The tech company announced the legal action on Friday, alleging the network deployed AI to automate the sending of scam text messages impersonating Google and other recognised brands. The fraudsters targeted hundreds of thousands of people in an attempt to steal passwords and credit card numbers through the deceptive messages.

Outsider Enterprise operated primarily through Telegram and allegedly sent millions of scam text messages as part of its operations. Google says the network used its Gemini AI model to create fraudulent websites designed to harvest sensitive financial and personal data from victims. The scale of the alleged scheme prompted Google to pursue dismantling the infrastructure supporting the cybercrime operation rather than address individual incidents.

The lawsuit represents Google's effort to disrupt the technical systems underpinning the alleged fraud network. By targeting the infrastructure directly, Google aims to prevent further use of automated AI tools for large-scale phishing and credential theft. The case demonstrates the growing use of generative AI technology in cybercriminal activities and the legal approaches technology companies are adopting to counter such threats.