Google sued the alleged China‑based Outsider Enterprise for using Gemini AI to run large‑scale phishing via text messages. It is teaming with the FBI and carriers AT&T, T‑Mobile, and Verizon to block messages before they reach users. By disrupting the pipeline, Google hopes to curb the surge of fake texts.

Investigators found over 9,000 phony websites and more than 1 million malicious URLs linked to the operation. Within two weeks, Android users reported 55,000 spam texts and received 2.5 million messages containing dangerous links. The group sold phishing kits on Telegram, offering 290 ready‑made templates for banks, retailers, telcos and government sites. Subscriptions cost as little as $88 per week, turning phishing into plug‑and‑play.

Google argues AI lowers the bar for criminals and existing laws can’t keep up. The company supports seven bipartisan bills aimed at AI‑driven fraud and consumer protection. Its own AI‑powered filters already block over 10 billion malicious messages each month, saving users from millions of dollars in losses today. The coordinated effort also pressures telecoms to tighten their own spam filters, further protecting consumers.