The Indian government ordered Google to remove hundreds of accounts from its Firebase web development platform. Criminals misused these accounts for financial scams.
India's Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) flagged the platform's use to impersonate major banks. It also distributed malware and stole sensitive user data.
In August, authorities ordered the takedown of at least 57 Firebase-hosted websites and databases. The scams created phishing websites mimicking Indian banks. They also lured Android users with fake offers to install malicious apps. These apps harvested financial information.
Google stated it maintains strict policies against fraudulent activity. The company works with law enforcement on removal requests.