Google Takes Legal Action Against Scammers Exploiting Bard Hype for Malware Distribution

As a response to the growing security threat, Google has initiated legal action against scammers who are allegedly located in Vietnam and are profiting from the hype about the generative AI to lure customers into downloading malware. 

Google has announced this legal proceeding in California which accused people of creating fake websites on social media and running misleading ads that prompt people to “download” its generative AI service, Bard. The alleged downloading is an excuse to deliver malware that allows scammers to take social media usernames.

The case reveals that defendants, whose identities are not known, fraudulently claim to offer their customers the “latest version” of Google Bard to download. Although they have no connection with Google They make use of Google trademarks, such as Google, Google AI, and Bard to lure unsuspecting customers into downloading malicious software onto their computer. Additionally, scammers make use of advertisements on Facebook postings to boost their evil distribution strategies.

As a companion to cryptocurrency scams, the suit exposes the risk of exploiting the public’s fascination with new technologies to sway people who may not be aware of the way they work. Scammers claim Bard is the case of a paid service or application that requires installation, however, it is available for free through bard.google.com.

Google, in a blog article, announced that it had already filed around 300 requests for removal in connection with these fraudsters. The company is however looking not just to stop the criminals from creating new criminal domains, but also to block them using US domain registry companies. Google’s General Counsel Halimah Prado in the blog post, emphasized in the blog post that lawsuits are used as an effective way to set precedents in law disrupt the methods used by fraudulent actors, and increase the penalties for criminals.