Indian police to question Google over 500,000 fake Gmail accounts

Indian police have announced plans to interrogate Google representatives regarding approximately 500,000 counterfeit Gmail accounts that investigators say were connected to a series of bomb threat incidents. The inquiry marks a significant escalation in authorities' efforts to combat coordinated hoax campaigns that have disrupted public spaces and triggered security responses across the country.

The fake accounts are believed to have been systematically created and used to send threatening messages, prompting emergency responses from law enforcement and creating public alarm. Investigators are seeking to understand how such a large-scale operation circumvented Google's account verification systems and what safeguards may have been inadequate.

Google has not yet publicly commented on the allegations or the impending police inquiry. At present, it remains uncertain whether Indian authorities will pursue formal charges against the company or impose penalties for alleged security lapses. The investigation will likely focus on Google's account creation protocols and whether the company failed to implement sufficient preventive measures.

The case underscores growing concerns among South Asian governments about the misuse of major digital platforms for coordinated harassment and threats. It also highlights tensions between technology companies and law enforcement agencies over data security responsibilities and platform accountability.