Baidu Claims Fake Ernie Bot Apps are on Apple App Store—Leading to Lawsuits!

Baidu claims fake Ernie Bot applications are on the official Apple App Store.

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.

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.

Here are other stories we recently wrote about AIs:

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.