Google Sues Scammers Over Fake Bard AI Chatbot That Downloads Malware

 

As artificial intelligence gains prominence, Google finds itself embroiled in a groundbreaking legal battle. The tech giant is taking legal action against five unidentified scammers who exploited public interest in Google's AI chatbot, Bard. These scammers set up deceptive social media accounts, enticing users to download a counterfeit version of Bard, ultimately infecting their devices with malware. Google's lawsuit, a first of its kind from a major tech company, underscores the legal complexities emerging in the wake of the AI revolution.

Deceptive Social Media Scheme: Google alleges that scammers operated under Facebook profiles like "Google AI" and "AIGoogle," luring users into downloading a fraudulent Bard AI.

Identity Unknown: The scammers remain unidentified, operating under various aliases, a common challenge in the cybersecurity realm.

Legal Precedents in Innovation: Google's legal actions aim to establish crucial precedents in emerging fields, emphasizing the need for clear rules against fraud, scams, and harassment.

 

In a lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California, Google accuses the scammers of trademark infringement for misusing the Google logo in their scheme. The fraudulent downloads not only compromised users' devices with malicious software but also granted the scammers unauthorized access to victims' social media accounts.

Despite the scammers' anonymity, Google's general counsel, Halimah DeLaine Prado, emphasized the company's commitment to pursuing legal remedies. The lawsuit underscores the growing challenge of combating deceptive practices exploiting the surge in interest surrounding generative AI tools.

Simultaneously, Google filed another lawsuit against individuals engaged in submitting fraudulent copyright claims. Allegedly, these fraudsters created numerous Google accounts to issue thousands of false copyright notices against competitors, indicating a broader pattern of deceptive practices within the tech landscape. 

 

These legal endeavors align with Google's broader mission to establish essential legal precedents in the rapidly evolving landscape of technological innovation. DeLaine Prado emphasized the importance of clear rules to counter fraud, scams, and harassment, irrespective of the innovative context.