Google launches Global Signal Exchange to combat online scams and fraud

Google has announced a new partnership to help combat online scams and fraud on a global scale. On October 9, 2024, the tech giant revealed its collaboration with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and DNS Research Federation (DNSRF) to launch the Global Signal Exchange (GSE), a centralized platform for sharing information about online scams and fraudulent activities.

The GSE aims to be a global clearinghouse for signals related to online scams and fraud, with Google becoming its first Founding Member. This initiative leverages the strengths of each partner involved: GASA's extensive network of stakeholders, DNSRF's robust data platform containing over 40 million signals, and Google's experience in combating scams and fraud.

How the Global Signal Exchange Works

The GSE is designed to improve the exchange of abuse signals, enabling faster identification and disruption of fraudulent activities across various sectors, platforms, and services. The platform operates on Google Cloud Platform, allowing participants to both share and consume signals gathered by others. It also utilizes Google Cloud Platform's AI capabilities to identify patterns and match signals effectively.

As part of the initial pilot program, Google has already shared over 100,000 URLs of bad Shopping merchants and ingested 1 million scam signals. The company plans to start by sharing URLs that have been actioned under its scams policies and will look to expand data sharing from other relevant Google product areas as the pilot progresses.

Cross-Account Protection Reaches 3.2 Billion Users

In addition to the GSE announcement, Google provided an update on its Cross-Account Protection tool, which was first introduced earlier in 2024. The company revealed that Cross-Account Protection is now actively protecting 3.2 billion users across sites and apps where they sign in with their Google Account.

Cross-Account Protection is a free and automatic feature available when sites and apps integrate Sign in with Google. It allows Google to share security notifications about suspicious events with the apps and services connected to a user's Google Account, in a privacy-preserving manner.

Users can view which sites and apps support Cross-Account Protection in their Google Account settings. Notable partners utilizing this feature include Canva, Electronic Arts, and Indeed.

Collaborative Efforts to Fight Scams

Google emphasized the importance of collaboration in fighting scams and the criminal organizations behind them. The company stated that strong partnerships among industry, businesses, civil society, and governments are crucial to combat bad actors and protect users online.

As part of its commitment, Google is supporting the DNS Research Federation and GASA with new funding to launch the GSE. The partnership enables the sending and receiving of signals related to scam and fraud activities across relevant and in-scope products and services.

The Impact of Online Scams

The launch of the Global Signal Exchange comes at a critical time, as online scams continue to have a devastating impact on people's lives. According to data from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance:

• An estimated $1.026 trillion is lost per year due to online scams
• Approximately 2 billion people fall victim to scams annually
• Only 0.05% of scammers are caught

These statistics highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat online fraud and protect consumers worldwide.

Google's Role in Scam Prevention

Google has long been developing systems for detecting and preventing fraud across its various products and services. The company reports blocking millions of attempted scams every day. The introduction of the Global Signal Exchange and the expansion of Cross-Account Protection demonstrate Google's ongoing commitment to improving online safety for users.

Future Developments

As the GSE pilot program progresses, Google plans to expand its data sharing capabilities and integrate more of its product areas into the platform. The company will continue to work with partners to refine and improve the system, with the goal of creating a user-friendly, efficient solution that operates at an internet-scale and is accessible to qualifying organizations.

Key Facts

• Google launched the Global Signal Exchange on October 9, 2024
• The GSE is a partnership between Google, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, and DNS Research Federation
• Cross-Account Protection is now protecting 3.2 billion users
• Google shared 100,000 URLs of bad Shopping merchants in the initial GSE pilot
• The platform ingested 1 million scam signals during the pilot phase
• Online scams result in an estimated $1.026 trillion in losses annually
• Approximately 2 billion people fall victim to scams each year
• Only 0.05% of scammers are currently caught