John Rewich

Basically, it helps them make phony phishing websites and hook victims with texts.

Lighthouse is based in China, and Google says it does not actually know the names of the people involved.

Instead, the company is seeking a court injunction to help it dismantle the Lighthouse enterprise from the outside in, targeting other companies or entities that might be facilitating Lighthouse.

Google says its logo is on many websites and website templates created by Lighthouse, and that undermines user trust in Google.

Google is among NPR's financial supporters.

John Rewich, NPR News.

Google is targeting an enterprise it calls Lighthouse.

In a court filing, it describes it as a well-organized criminal group that creates and distributes software and support for would-be cyber criminals.

Basically, it helps them make phony phishing websites and hook victims with texts.

Lighthouse is based in China, and Google says it does not actually know the names of the people involved.

Instead, the company is seeking a court injunction to help it dismantle the Lighthouse enterprise from the outside in.

targeting other companies or entities that might be facilitating Lighthouse.

Google says its logo is on many websites and website templates created by Lighthouse, and that undermines user trust in Google.

Google is among NPR's financial supporters.

John Rewich, NPR News.

Epic Games sued Google five years ago, arguing that Google's Play Store for apps on Android devices was a monopoly with high fees.

Epic won in 2023, and a judge later said Google must allow other app stores on Android.

But Google appealed late last year, and the case has dragged on.

Now, Google and Epic say they've agreed to a set of changes to Android and Google Play.

Google says they focus on expanding developer choice and flexibility, lowering fees, and encouraging more competition while keeping users safe.