1 week ago
India Orders Google to Shut Down Firebase Scam Accounts
India’s cybercrime agency found many websites hosted on Google’s Firebase service.
It believed at least 57 of them were being used for online scams.
The sites may have spread harmful software called malware.
They may also have stolen people’s private financial information from their devices.
The agency told Google to remove the websites.
Google was given three hours after each notice to take them down.
The notices did not say that Google or Firebase caused the scams.
However, Google could face liability if the named links were not removed in time.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre directed Google to take down at least 57 Firebase-hosted websites and databases in August.
The notices said the sites appeared to distribute malware and steal sensitive financial information from victims’ devices.
The notices were sent to Google and reviewed by Reuters.
They did not suggest that Google or Firebase was responsible for the alleged scams.
Google could be held liable for the named links if they were not removed within three hours of notification.
- Who
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre directed Google to remove the named websites and databases.
- What
- At least 57 Firebase-hosted websites and databases were ordered taken down over suspected malware distribution and theft of financial information.
- Where
- On Google’s Firebase hosting service; the directive was issued by India’s cybercrime authorities.
- When
- In August; the notices allowed three hours for removal after they were issued.
- Why
- The sites were suspected of being used in online scams to distribute malware and steal sensitive financial information.
Key facts
- Issuing agency
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
- Platform
- Google Firebase
- Websites and databases targeted
- At least 57
- Time period
- August
- Suspected activity
- Distributing malware and stealing sensitive financial information
- Removal deadline
- Three hours after notice
- Source
- Notices sent to Google and reviewed by Reuters
Sources
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