Borderland Beat, a blog known for reporting on organized crime and drug trafficking, recently revealed a new loophole in the Google search engine that has contributed to an increase in online drug sales. According to a blog post from Sept. 28, hackers have exploited this loophole to post advertisements for illegal drugs on trusted government and education websites, boosting the online sale of narcotics.
The blog post stated, "Hackers exploited Google search loophole to advertise narcotics on DEA, Interpol, FDA, and IRS websites." This discovery highlights a significant oversight in Google's search algorithm, allowing bad actors to easily place drug ads on websites' internal search pages.
In the investigation, originally conducted by Business Insider, it was found that Google's recent changes unintentionally enable website defacement with illicit drug advertisements. This loophole provides drug dealers with a new avenue to connect with potential customers. Hackers can now target reputable websites with internal search features, such as government, educational, and media sites, and conduct searches for terms like "buy cocaine," accompanied by Telegram handles or website addresses. Placing these messages on trusted sites increases the visibility of drug ads, making it more likely for potential buyers to encounter them.
Insider's investigation identified over 48 hacked websites for government agencies, universities, news organizations, nonprofits, and businesses that were indexed by Google. Examples include the government-run Ontario website, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime website, the Interpol website, and even Insider's own website. These websites were found to be hosting ads for cocaine, heroin, and other illicit narcotics.
The report also revealed that the advertisements direct users to Telegram channels with thousands of active members, showcasing various illegal drugs and even firearms. Monica Barratt, a drug-policy expert and senior research fellow at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, estimated that approximately 33% of drug transactions currently occur through online channels. She expressed concern that any further advertisement of these channels, especially if well placed and targeted, could further increase sales.
Insider's investigation uncovered numerous affected websites, including major universities, government websites, and media organizations such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNBC, The Washington Post, and The Economist. One illicit drug advertiser generated over 7,000 results across 24 domains in a Google search. While the effectiveness of these ads in attracting customers remains uncertain, it is speculated that they may target less tech-savvy users searching for drugs online. The fact that drug advertisements are being posted on government websites, which are supposed to be fighting the drug trade, showcases the audacity of these criminals.
This loophole in the Google search engine highlights the need for stronger security measures to prevent the exploitation of trusted websites for illegal activities. As online drug sales continue to rise, it is crucial for authorities to address this issue and find effective solutions to protect internet users from encountering these harmful advertisements.
