Baidu claims fake Ernie Bot applications are on the official Apple App Store.
A man walked past an Apple store in Beijing on August 3, 2017. - Apple has removed software allowing internet users to skirt China's "Great Firewall" from its app store in the country, the company confirmed, sparking criticism that it was bowing to Beijing's tightening web censorship.
Because of this, the Chinese search engine giant decided to file lawsuits against Apple Inc. Aside from the iPhone maker, relevant app creators involved in developing these illegitimate Ernie Bot versions are also included in the lawsuits.
Baidu Claims Fake Ernie Bot Apps are on Apple App Store
According to Reuters' latest report, Baidu has already lodged its lawsuits in Beijing Haidian People's Court.
A Chinese man walks past the Chinese Web search giant Baidu's head office in Beijing on February 10, 2010. The Nasdaq-listed Baidu said net profit rose 48.2 percent in the fourth quarter to 62.7 million USD while revenue increased 39.8 percent to 184.7 million USD, and it expected to benefit from growing customer confidence after Google's threat to pull out of China.
Also Read: China AI: Baidu Ernie, the ChatGPT Rival, Is Not Doing so Good on its Launch
The Chinese search engine giant included developers behind the fake Ernie Bot apps, as well as Apple, since the iPhone maker allowed these counterfeit on its app platform.
Baidu clarified that its AI-powered chatbot doesn't have any official application yet.
The Chinese tech firm shared this detail via its official Baidu AI WeChat account. Aside from clarifying the lack of an official app, Baidu also warned users that it is likely a fake one if they see an Ernie Bot application on the Apple App Store.
"Until our company's official announcement, any Ernie app you see from App Store or other stores are fake," said Baidu.
As of writing, Apple hasn't shared any statement regarding the lodged lawsuits of Baidu against it.
Spotting Fake Apps on Apple App Store
Life Hacker reported that installing fake apps could put your personal data at risk.
Cybersecurity experts warned that counterfeit applications could give hackers access to your mobile device. Once this happens, online attackers can steal your photos, IP addresses, email addresses, etc.
This is why knowing how to spot fake apps on the official Apple App Store is important. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Check if the developer is familiar. If not, you might as well avoid installing the app.
- Check the publish date of the unknown app.
- Look for reviews; if there are hundreds or thousands of reviews, the app could be real.
- Check for any typos on the app.
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Previously, a NY-based startup decided to work on short video AI generators. Meanwhile, DataTrek warned about the use of ChatGPT in marketing and investments.
For more news updates about Ernie Bot and other new AI models, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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