State Efforts to Combat Google Fraud: Blocking Scams and Protecting Consumers
A groundbreaking collaboration between the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry and tech giant Google has made significant strides in the fight against online scams and malicious apps. Since April of this year, more than 4.8 million online scam attempts and approximately 41,000 dangerous apps have been thwarted, thanks to the implementation of Google Play Protect.
The initiative, spearheaded by DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, has been instrumental in safeguarding public security and instilling confidence in digital usage. By automatically preventing the installation of risky apps on Android smartphones, Google Play Protect has proven to be a game-changer in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
Protecting Consumers and Public Security
Through the collaborative efforts of the DES Ministry and Google, over 4.8 million attempts by criminals to install malicious apps have been blocked on more than 1 million Android devices. Additionally, more than 41,000 apps from unknown sources have been intercepted, including fake versions of popular messaging, gaming, and e-commerce apps.
Mr. Prasert emphasized the ministry’s unwavering commitment to working with global companies to combat technology crimes, aligning with the directives of the prime minister. These efforts are not only crucial for protecting the data and assets of individuals but also for fostering a digital workforce and government as Thailand transitions into a tech-driven nation.
Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre Performance
In a related development, the DES Ministry recently released a report on the performance of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) from November 1, 2023, to November 29, 2024. During this period, the AOC received a staggering 1.26 million calls reporting various scams, averaging 3,178 calls per day.
Moreover, the centre took decisive action by suspending 403,979 bank accounts, averaging 1,144 accounts per day. The top reasons for account suspension included fraudulent transactions, enticing individuals with false promises of additional income, scam investments, deceptive money transfer schemes, and fraudulent lending practices.
As the fight against online fraud continues, the collaboration between the DES Ministry and Google stands as a beacon of hope for consumers and serves as a testament to the power of technology in protecting public safety and security. With innovative measures like Google Play Protect and the diligent efforts of the AOC, Thailand is taking proactive steps to safeguard its digital landscape and empower its citizens in the digital age.