Google Sues Chinese Smishing Network Accused of Using Gemini AI in Phishing

Google filed a lawsuit on Friday against a Chinese cybercrime network, alleging the group utilized its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) agent to send phishing text messages aimed at Americans. The network is identified as the creator and operator of a phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) software kit known as Outsider. Google's legal filing, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, details how the operation leveraged Gemini to automate the creation of fraudulent text messages, which were then distributed to victims. This marks one of the first instances of a major technology company taking legal action against a group accused of weaponizing its AI for malicious purposes. The lawsuit seeks to disrupt the network's operations and prevent further harm to consumers. Google stated its commitment to protecting users from AI-enabled threats and is working with law enforcement to address such sophisticated criminal activities. The company's legal team is aiming to obtain a permanent injunction against the defendants and recover damages.