"Google Faces Legal Challenges and EU Probe as Why Is the Stock Market Down Today?"

Google has initiated legal action against a China-based phishing-as-a-service network known as Lighthouse, . The lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court, targets the operation's pre-packaged phishing kits, which impersonate legitimate services such as Google services, banks, and logistics companies to steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. The operation, distributed via platforms like Telegram and YouTube, offers subscriptions ranging from weekly to lifetime access and employs tactics to evade detection, including rapid domain registration and fake multi-factor authentication pages according to reports.

Legal Action Against Phishing Network

The lawsuit details how Lighthouse's phishing campaigns often begin with deceptive text messages about overdue toll charges, delivery fees, or limited-time offers, redirecting victims to counterfeit websites. These sites mimic official portals and use Google branding to gain trust. Over 100 templates replicate Google services like Gmail and Google Pay. , with U.S. victims particularly affected, citing data from mid-2023 to late-2024. The company seeks injunctions to sever Lighthouse's ties to infrastructure providers, including domain registrars and payment intermediaries, to disrupt its operations according to the report.

EU Antitrust Probe Over Spam Policy

Separately, the European Union (EU) has launched an antitrust investigation into Google's spam policy, which critics argue unfairly demotes news publishers in search results. The policy, introduced in March 2024, targets websites that manipulate search algorithms. The EU alleges this practice harms publishers' revenue by limiting their visibility, especially for content monetized through commercial partnerships. , EU antitrust chief, stated the policy may not treat news publishers "fairly, reasonably, and non-discriminatorily." If found in violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to the EU investigation.

Strategic Partnership in Türkiye

Google Cloud has partnered with Turkcell, Türkiye's leading telecom provider, to establish a new cloud region in the country. The collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation and AI innovation across Türkiye and the broader region. , leveraging Google's infrastructure to enhance its own operations and resell cloud solutions to enterprises. The partnership aligns with Türkiye's projected public cloud market growth, , .

AI-Driven Innovations in Consumer Tech

Google's latest foldable device, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, introduces AI features like Magic Cue and Ask Photos to enhance user experience. However, the device retains the same bulky design as its predecessor, raising questions about its competitiveness against alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's AI tools, including Instant View for real-time photo previews and Camera Coach for photography guidance, aim to appeal to multitaskers and amateur photographers. Despite software upgrades, may restrict its appeal.