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Cybercriminals target Gmail accounts in sophisticated new attack

Gmail users are facing a serious new threat that could lead to their accounts being hijacked by cybercriminals.

Experts at Malwarebytes have issued an urgent warning about a sophisticated scam that is bypassing Gmail’s usually reliable spam filters, putting billions of accounts at risk.

The scam was first noticed by Nick Johnson, a developer with the Ethereum Name Service, who received an official-looking email supposedly from Google.

Although it appeared genuine and even passed all verification checks, the link inside redirected users to a fraudulent site hosted via Google’s own website creation platform. Cybercriminals exploited the fact that anyone can create pages on sites.google.com to make the scam look credible.

Google has acknowledged the attack, linked to the Rockfoils threat group, and confirmed that new protections are being rolled out.

While measures are underway to address the vulnerability, security experts strongly advise Gmail users to remain cautious and follow essential safety practices to avoid falling victim.

Simple actions, such as avoiding links in unsolicited emails, double-checking email headers, and refusing to use Google credentials to sign into other services, can significantly reduce the risk. Staying vigilant is now more important than ever to protect personal data and online security.

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DOJ wants Google to sell Chrome to boost competition

The ongoing US antitrust case against Google has intensified speculation over the future of its Chrome browser, with DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg estimating its potential value at around $50 billion.

His remark, made during court testimony, far exceeds previous estimates and underscores how pivotal Chrome has become in the broader search and advertising ecosystem.

Weinberg, who leads one of Google’s search rivals, admitted that DuckDuckGo could not afford such a purchase, but would still be interested if money were no object.

Other major players, including OpenAI and Perplexity, have also expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if a court ruling mandates its divestment.

The Department of Justice and several states are pushing for such measures after Judge Amit Mehta found that Google illegally maintained a search monopoly through restrictive default agreements.

Executives from OpenAI and Perplexity testified that owning or partnering with Chrome would enable tighter integration of AI and search, reducing their dependence on Microsoft’s Bing.

OpenAI even approached Google for access to its search API last year but was rejected. As the US trial continues, the fate of Chrome hangs in the balance, with a forced sale likely to reshape the search and AI landscape dramatically.

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Perplexity to track users online for personalised ads

Perplexity is entering the browser space with bold ambitions, aiming to compete directly with Google by closely tracking user behaviour online. The CEO revealed that the company’s upcoming browser, named Comet, will collect data from user activity beyond its app to serve “hyper personalised” advertising.

He argued that browsing patterns and consumer behaviour offer far more insightful data than work-related prompts typed into AI chat tools. Srinivas suggested that users will accept this level of tracking because it results in more relevant advertisements and a potentially improved discovery experience.

The strategy mirrors tactics long used by Google and Meta, which have built lucrative advertising businesses through extensive user tracking. Despite recent scrutiny around data privacy, Srinivas remained confident in the approach, pointing to Comet’s May launch date.

In a move to expand its presence in the mobile ecosystem, Perplexity has partnered with Motorola to pre-install its app on the Razr phone series. The app will be accessible through Motorola’s Moto AI with a simple “Ask Perplexity” prompt.

Talks with Samsung are also reportedly ongoing, highlighting the startup’s intent to rival established tech giants not only in search and browsing, but also across devices.

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Alphabet surpasses expectations with strong Q1 performance and major buyback plan

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, announ c ed a $70 billion share buyback after posting first-quarter profits that exceeded Wall Street forecasts. The company’s shares surged 4% after-hours trading, boosting its market value by around $75 billion. Alphabet reported $90.23 billion in revenue, mainly driven by steady growth in its core digital advertising business, which offset a slight slowdown in its cloud computing segment.

Despite concerns over economic uncertainty linked to US trade policies, Alphabet’s ad revenue, making up 75% of its total income, rose 8.5% to $66.89 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted strong engagement in Google Search, particularly with AI-powered features, attracting 1.5 billion monthly users.

Meanwhile, Google Cloud saw a 28% revenue increase, narrowly missing projections but still reflecting solid growth. The tech giant also ramped up capital spending by 43% to $17.2 billion as part of its $75 billion annual investment plan, focusing on expanding data centres and AI infrastructure.

Despite rising costs and global competition in the AI sector, Pichai emphasised the need for heavy investment to enhance services like Search and develop AI tools. Alphabet’s positive results lifted other digital ad players, with Meta, Amazon, and Snap seeing gains in extended trading.

While Big Tech remains committed to AI spending, signs of caution emerge as some companies begin to scale back data centre expansions amid economic pressures.

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DW Weekly #209 – Big Tech on global trial: lawsuits, data leaks, cryptocurrency and viral tendencies

18 – 25 April 2025

Book, Comics, Publication, Person, Face, Head, Art

Dear readers,

The past week has delivered another wave of developments redefining the digital world. Legal battles involving Big Tech took centre stage on both sides of the Atlantic, with the EU and the USA involved in antitrust disputes, amid an escalating global trade war that may be fuelling this regulatory reckoning.

The EU has imposed its first fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), targeting Apple and Meta for anti-competitive practices. Apple faces a €500 million penalty for restricting app developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options outside its App Store. Meta has been fined €200 million for its ‘consent or pay’ model, which required users to either consent to personalised ads or pay a fee for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta is also facing fresh legal backlash in France as 67 French media companies representing over 200 publications filed a lawsuit alleging unfair competition in the digital advertising market.

European regulators are putting pressure on Big Tech, with Alphabet’s Google and Elon Musk’s X expected to be the next in line for penalties under the EU’s tough new digital rules. Despite US President Donald Trump’s objections, the EU appears undeterred, viewing the DMA as a veiled tariff on American tech firms.

On the other side of the Atlantic, we have the Google antitrust court case in the USA, where the US Department of Justice (DOJ) added the AI-driven search monopoly accusation to its court file. Namely, the DOJ launched its opening arguments in a long-awaited landmark antitrust trial against Google, aiming to curb the tech giant’s dominance in online search and prevent it from leveraging AI to entrench its position further.

One of the potential conditions for Google to comply with regulatory requirements may involve divesting its Chrome browser, for which OpenAI has expressed acquisition interest.

South Korea’s data protection authority has flagged serious privacy concerns over the operations of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, accusing the company of transferring personal data and user-generated content abroad without consent.

Speaking of cryptocurrency, Paul Atkins has officially been sworn in as the 34th Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Known for his pro-crypto stance, Atkins is expected to bring much-needed clarity to digital asset regulations.

Dutch banking giant ING is preparing to launch a Euro-based stablecoin. It is teaming up with other financial institutions to form a consortium.

Staying in the Netherlands, Adyen, the Dutch payment processor, fell victim to three coordinated DDoS attacks on Monday evening, severely disrupting debit card and online payments.

A viral development of the past seven days is the story about a controversial new startup called Cluely, which has secured $5.3 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered tool designed to help users ‘cheat on everything,’ from job interviews to exams.

To finish, the blog: Dr Jovan Kurbalija, the Director of Diplo, is dealing with AI and linguistics this time. In his blog ‘Linguists in the AI era: From resistance to renaissance,’ he introspects the shift from initial scepticism among linguists to a newfound synergy, as AI tools enhance language analysis, translation, and cultural understanding in diplomacy.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 18 – 25 April 2025

eu flags in front of european commission

The EU Commission hits Apple and Meta with draconian fines

The EU has fired its first regulatory shot under the Digital Markets Act, fining Apple €500M and Meta €200M for anti-competitive practices. As US-EU digital tensions grow, the tech giants…

DALL%C2%B7E 2023 04 26 13.49.29 Google company making money from Search engine clear full light 50mm

DOJ adds to Google’s antitrust trial the AI-driven search monopoly

Prosecutors are calling for sweeping measures, including the sale of Chrome and a breakup of exclusive deals with device makers, including its Gemini app installed on Samsung devices, which reinforces…

AI startup Cluely offers controversial cheating tool

Cluely’s founders say their tool challenges outdated norms, but critics warn it could erode trust in recruitment and education.

CISA extends MITRE’s CVE program for 11 months

CISA has extended MITRE’s contract to operate the CVE program for 11 months, ensuring continuity of vulnerability tracking services. Meanwhile, a new non-profit CVE Foundation has been established to support…

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Temu and Shein to raise US prices due to new tariffs

Low-cost retailers face up to 145% tariffs under revised US trade rules.

Trump meme coin team moves $4.6M ahead of token unlock

Analysts warn of potential sell pressure as 40 million TRUMP tokens prepare to hit the market.

Adyen outage cyberattack DDOS servers payments

Adyen services disrupted by cyber blitz

Three DDoS attacks disrupted payment services on Monday, with full functionality only restored by 3:40 am, severely impacting Adyen’s operations.

Pro-crypto Paul Atkins sworn in as SEC Chair

With over 20 years in capital markets, Paul Atkins takes charge at the SEC, eyeing reforms for digital asset regulations.

OpenAI eyes Chrome in bid to boost ChatGPT

Nick Turley revealed OpenAI lacks a deal with Google and struggles to expand ChatGPT’s presence on Android despite a successful Apple partnership.

Crypto exchanges expand into Wall Street territory as synergy with TradFi increases

Digital asset exchanges like Kraken are expanding into traditional finance, highlighting the growing synergy between digital assets and Wall Street.

Russian hackers target NGOs with fake video calls

Researchers warn of a phishing campaign using video call links to compromise Microsoft 365 accounts of NGOs focused on Ukraine and human rights issues.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Linguists in the AI era: From resistance to renaissance – Diplo

In the context of Geneva’s multilingual landscape, the rise of AI has sparked both concern and opportunity within the linguistic community. While AI will automate many translation and interpretation tasks, linguists are essential for addressing the limitations of AI, particularly in navigating syntax and semantics.

BLOG featured image 2025 57 Cuban missile crisis

Triumph of diplomacy: The Cuban missile crisis – Diplo

The Cuban Missile Crisis pushed humanity to the edge of catastrophe—but it also revealed the quiet strength of diplomacy. In a tense standoff between superpowers, backchannel negotiations and mutual restraint averted disaster.

Politeness in 2025: Why are we so kind to AI? – Diplo

Why do ~80% of us say ‘please’ & ‘thank you’ to AI like ChatGPT? Explore the psychology, hidden costs, and what our AI politeness reveals about our humanity.

What’s wrong with doping? – Diplo

Trainers, labs, surgeons, psychologists – all boost performance. But doping? That’s banned. Is the real scandal the drugs – or the unequal coronas of support? Aldo Matteucci examines.

UPCOMING EVENTS

www.diplomacy.edu

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation? – Diplo Event

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation? 🗓️ 29 April 2025 | 🕐 13:00–14:00 CEST

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www.diplomacy.edu

AI Apprenticeship for International Organisations blended course – Diplo Event

Diplo Academy will launch the Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course on 16 September 2024 in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Stay updated on courses by subscribing to their newsletter.

dig.watch

Sexual and reproductive rights in the digital age: Tackling threats and seizing opportunities

The conference, organised by Medicus Mundi Schweiz, will provide a platform for examining the evolving role of AI and digital technologies in shaping public health and sexual and reproductive health…

www.diplomacy.edu

Trump and tech: After 100 days – Diplo Event

Trump and tech: After 100 days Date: 30 April 2025Time: 10.00 EST | 14.00 UTC | 16.00 CESTDuration: 90 minutesLocation: Online

Google boosts AI in coding and cloud growth

More than 30% of all code at Google is now written with the help of AI, according to CEO Sundar Pichai during Alphabet’s Q1 2025 earnings call.

Developers are embracing AI-generated suggestions in nearly one out of every three code changes, thanks to improved models and the rollout of agentic workflows—AI systems designed to manage complex, multi-step tasks.

Pichai noted that AI-assisted coding is expanding across the company, with customer service teams leading the way in adoption.

Alphabet reported strong financial results, with quarterly revenue climbing 12% year-over-year to $90.2 billion. Net income rose sharply by 46% to $34.5 billion, and earnings per share jumped 49%.

While there was a slight quarterly dip in revenue from the previous quarter, Google’s core advertising business, YouTube, and Google Cloud all contributed to year-on-year growth. Cloud revenue, in particular, increased 28% due to surging demand for AI and infrastructure products.

The recently released Gemini 2.5 Pro model was described by Pichai as ‘state-of-the-art’, outperforming rivals across benchmarks and landing the top spot on Chatbot Arena. Gemini models are now integrated across 15 Google products used by more than half a billion people.

Features like Gemini Live and AI-powered camera tools are being rolled out on Android and Pixel devices, while Google Assistant will also receive a Gemini upgrade later this year.

Instead of slowing down, Google is accelerating its AI development with initiatives like Gemini Robotics Models, the AI Co-Scientist for research, and the continued success of AlphaFold, used by over 2.5 million scientists.

With over 200% growth in users of AI Studio and Gemini API, and more than 140 million downloads of Gemma models, Google is clearly positioning AI at the centre of its future across products, platforms, and research.

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Google stopped Motorola from using Perplexity as default assistant

A senior executive at Perplexity AI has testified that Google prevented Motorola from setting the AI startup’s assistant as the default on new smartphones, citing restrictive contracts.

The testimony came during a trial seeking remedies after Google was found to have unlawfully maintained a search monopoly.

Although Motorola will preload the app, it cannot make it the default due to binding agreements with Google. Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, described the difficulty of replacing Google’s assistant on Android phones, saying Google’s terms create an environment where device makers fear losing revenue.

The CEO added that ongoing negotiations with other companies only became possible due to pressure from the US Department of Justice’s antitrust case.

The Justice Department is asking the court to ban Google from paying for default placements, which would also affect its AI products like Gemini.

Meanwhile, Perplexity is developing its own browser, Comet, and voiced concern about any Chrome sale undermining open-source access. The company does not support OpenAI’s interest in acquiring the browser, citing past inconsistencies in its open-source commitments.

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Google launches Gemini 2.5 Flash with faster and smarter AI thinking

Google has unveiled Gemini 2.5 Flash, an enhanced version of its AI model that brings improved performance, faster response times, and cost-efficiency for developers and users alike.

Released in preview through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI, the model is designed to be highly responsive while also offering advanced reasoning capabilities when needed.

The hybrid design allows developers to toggle the model’s ‘thinking’ function, enabling it to pause before answering to better understand prompts and plan complex responses.

Even with this added step, Gemini 2.5 Flash maintains the quick speeds of its predecessor, Gemini 2.0 Flash, while improving on accuracy and depth of output in areas like mathematics, science, coding, and visual reasoning.

Benchmark tests reveal Gemini 2.5 Flash outperforms competing AI models across a range of technical and analytical tasks.

Developers can begin building with it today, and everyday users can explore the model through the Gemini app, which also features earlier models including Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking and Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental.

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OpenAI eyes Chrome in bid to boost ChatGPT

OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser if it were to be made available, viewing it as a potential boost for its AI platform, ChatGPT.

The remarks, made by Nick Turley, head of product for ChatGPT, surfaced during the US Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google. The case follows a 2023 ruling that found Google had maintained an illegal monopoly in online search and advertising.

Although Google has shown no intention to sell Chrome and plans to appeal, the DoJ has suggested the move as a remedy to restore competition.

Turley disclosed that OpenAI previously approached Google to use its search technology within ChatGPT, after facing limitations with Microsoft Bing, its current provider.

An email from OpenAI presented in court showed the company proposed using multiple partners, including Google’s search API, to improve the chatbot’s performance. Google, however, declined the request, citing fears of empowering rivals.

Turley confirmed there is currently no partnership with Google and noted that ChatGPT remains years away from answering most queries using its own search system.

The testimony also highlighted OpenAI’s distribution challenges. Turley voiced concerns over being shut out of key access points controlled by major tech firms, such as browsers and app stores.

While OpenAI secured integration with Apple’s iPhones, it has struggled to achieve similar placements on Android devices. Turley argued that forcing Google to share search data with competitors could instead speed up ChatGPT’s development and improve user experience.

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Google invites African AI startups to join 2025 accelerator

Google has opened applications for its 2025 Startups Accelerator Africa programme, aiming to support early-stage African companies leveraging AI to solve critical local challenges.

The three-month initiative is open to Seed to Series A startups with a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a strong focus on responsible AI development.

Successful applicants will receive tailored technical mentorship, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and access to a global network of investors and partners.

Participants will also benefit from workshops covering technology, strategy, leadership, and AI implementation.

Google emphasised that empowering local innovators is key to unlocking the potential of AI across the continent.

Since 2018, the programme has backed 140 startups from 17 countries, helping them raise over $300 million and create more than 3,000 jobs.

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