[ExI] Bots and AI are now half of internet traffic

[Kelly Anderson]

Why do they always want to connect on WhatsApp??

-Kelly

On Sun, May 5, 2024 at 2:11 PM BillK via extropy-chat
<extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
>
> On Sat, 4 May 2024 at 18:57, efc--- via extropy-chat <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
> >
> > I would love to see the economics of spam. I mean it increases and
> > continues so obviously there must be some profit in it. I'm very curious
> > about the figures.
> >
> <snip>
> > Best regards,  Daniel
> >_______________________________________________
>
>
> I asked around........
> BillK
>
> Explain how spam is profitable -
>
> Llama-3-70b-Inst-FW
>
> The infamous spam industry! While many people view spam as a nuisance, it's a lucrative business for those who engage in it. Here's how spam can be profitable:
>
> **Low costs, high volume**: Spamming is a low-cost operation. Spammers can send massive amounts of emails or messages using automated tools and botnets, which are networks of compromised computers. This allows them to reach a large audience at a minimal cost.
>
> **Monetizing clicks and conversions**: Spammers make money through affiliate marketing, where they earn a commission for each click or conversion (e.g., sale, download, or sign-up) generated from their spam campaigns. They partner with companies that offer products or services, and then promote these offers through spam emails or messages.
>
> **Phishing and malware**: Spammers can also profit from phishing scams, where they trick victims into revealing sensitive information like login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal data. This information can be sold on the dark web or used for malicious activities like identity theft. Additionally, spammers can distribute malware, such as ransomware or Trojans, which can be used to extort money or steal sensitive data.
>
> **Lead generation**: Spammers can collect leads (contact information) through spam campaigns and sell them to companies or individuals who want to target specific audiences. These leads can be used for legitimate marketing purposes or for further spamming.
>
> **Selling products or services**: Spammers can promote their own products or services, such as fake antivirus software, miracle weight loss pills, or fake online degrees. They often use deceptive tactics to convince victims to buy their products or services.
>
> **Botnet rental**: Spammers can rent out their botnets to other spammers or cybercriminals, allowing them to use the compromised computers to send spam or conduct malicious activities.
>
> **Click fraud**: Spammers can engage in click fraud, where they generate fake clicks on online ads to earn money from pay-per-click advertising models. This can be done using automated tools or by manipulating users into clicking on ads.
>
> **Data brokering**: Spammers can collect and sell data on individuals, such as their browsing habits, interests, or personal information. This data can be used for targeted advertising or other malicious activities.
>
> **Cryptocurrency and money laundering**: Spammers can use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to launder money or facilitate illegal transactions. This makes it difficult for law enforcement to track and trace their activities.
>
> It's essential to note that spamming is illegal and unethical, and it can cause harm to individuals and businesses. Law enforcement agencies and online platforms are constantly working to combat spam and cybercrime. However, the anonymity of the internet and the ease of sending spam messages make it a challenging problem to eradicate.
> -------------------------------
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