Google’s new AI search results promotes sites pushing malware, scams

Google's new AI search results promotes sites pushing malware, scams

March 25, 2024 at 12:11PM

Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) is an AI feature providing quick summaries for search queries but is recommending spam and malicious websites, making it easier for users to fall for scams. These sites promote unwanted browser extensions, fake iPhone giveaways, tech support scams, and push notifications for spam and affiliate scams. Google claims to continuously update systems to protect against spam. To unsubscribe from browser notifications, open Chrome settings and remove subscribed sites.

The meeting notes describe a concerning issue with Google’s new AI-powered ‘Search Generative Experience’ algorithms recommending scam sites that lead visitors to fraudulent activities such as fake giveaways, spam subscriptions, tech support scams, and malicious browser extensions. The notes also highlight the tactics used by these scam sites, including misleading advertisements, fake captchas, and the mimicking of legitimate websites like YouTube.

Additional concerns raised in the meeting notes include the ease with which users can be fooled by these scam sites due to Google’s AI answering search queries in a conversational tone and linking to the recommended websites. This creates an impression of credibility and trustworthiness, making it essential for users to verify sites before visiting them.

Furthermore, Google’s response to the issue is addressed, with a statement confirming that they continuously update their systems and ranking algorithms to protect against spam. However, spammers also evolve their techniques to evade detection, creating a constant challenge in combating spam and maintaining the integrity of search results.

The meeting notes also provide practical advice on how to unsubscribe from browser notifications in Google Chrome, emphasizing the importance of learning how to disable notifications from unwanted sites to avoid browser notification spam.

Overall, the meeting notes provide a comprehensive overview of the issue and the actions taken to address it, as well as helpful guidance for users on managing browser notifications in Google Chrome.

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