Google sues Chinese cybercrime network that used Gemini to automate scams
Summary
Google has filed a civil lawsuit against Outsider Enterprise, a Chinese cybercrime network that allegedly used Gemini to automate scam websites and messaging campaigns. The group operated via Telegram, offering phishing-as-a-service with hundreds of templates that imitate Google, YouTube, and government services. Google says the scam network generated millions of texts and hosted thousands of fake websites; the company is collaborating with major carriers and leveraging on-device scam detection to limit harm. The case underscores the intersection of AI-enabled crime and regulatory policy, with Google urging new federal laws and supporting FBI investigations, though enforcement faces jurisdictional hurdles.