Category: Technology

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72 hour deadline for X to tackle AI abuse

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notice to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) over the circulation of obscene and sexually explicit content generated using its AI chatbot, Grok. The ministry flagged concerns about the misuse of AI to create inappropriate images and videos, particularly targeting women and children, calling it a serious breach of Indian laws and digital safety norms.

In its notice, MeitY directed X to take immediate action within 72 hours. The company has been asked to remove all illegal and offensive content generated through Grok, conduct a thorough review of the AI system to prevent misuse, and take strict action against users posting such material, including suspending or terminating accounts. X is also required to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the ministry detailing the steps it has implemented.

The ministry warned that failure to comply could lead to legal consequences, including penalties under the Information Technology Act, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. It also cautioned that X could lose certain legal protections under Section 79 of the IT Act if it does not act responsibly.

This notice follows complaints from lawmakers and social media users about how easily Grok can be prompted to generate sexualised or offensive images, including content involving minors. Officials emphasized that platforms offering AI services have a duty to implement safeguards to prevent their misuse.

The notice was sent to X’s Chief Compliance Officer in India, highlighting the regulatory expectation that AI platforms must comply fully with Indian laws and ensure that their tools are not used to create harmful content. The government reiterated that AI systems should be closely monitored and that platforms remain responsible for preventing the spread of obscene or illegal material. MeitY’s action underscores India’s increasing focus on regulating AI and protecting the dignity and safety of vulnerable groups online.

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Vision Pro hits sales snag, Apple halts production

Apple’s ambitious Vision Pro headset isn’t selling as expected. Sources say the company has drastically scaled back production and marketing after poor early sales, signaling a step back for the $3,499 device. Launched as a futuristic way to merge virtual and real‑world experiences, the headset hasn’t captured widespread interest.

Reviewers and early users have pointed out the device’s bulkiness, limited battery life, and a small selection of apps, making it less appealing to casual buyers. Estimates suggest only about 45,000 units were shipped during the holiday quarter, far below the numbers Apple usually achieves with its gadgets.

The Vision Pro is currently sold in just 13 countries, and Apple’s manufacturing partner reportedly paused production in early 2025. With competitors like Meta offering more affordable VR headsets that dominate the market, Apple faces an uphill battle in this premium niche.

Industry insiders say Apple is exploring a cheaper, more accessible version of the Vision Pro while also leaning into AI-enabled wearable devices. The headset’s early performance underscores the challenge of creating a new category from scratch, even for a tech giant known for redefining consumer electronics.

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BSNL launches Wi‑Fi calling, never lose a call

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has rolled out its Voice over Wi‑Fi (VoWiFi) service nationwide starting January 1, 2026. The service, also known as Wi‑Fi Calling, is now available to all BSNL subscribers across every telecom circle in India, aiming to enhance call quality and connectivity even in areas with weak mobile signals.

VoWiFi allows users to make and receive voice calls and SMS using a Wi‑Fi connection, bypassing traditional cellular networks. This is particularly useful in locations such as basements, offices, homes, rural areas, or other regions where network coverage is poor. The service works with any stable broadband connection, including BSNL Bharat Fiber or other internet providers, ensuring uninterrupted communication in so-called “coverage shadow” zones.

The system operates on an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) platform, which enables smooth switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile networks without dropping calls. Users can make calls directly from their regular phone dialer, with no need for third-party apps. Most modern smartphones support VoWiFi, and subscribers may need to activate the Wi‑Fi Calling feature in device settings.

BSNL has made the service available at no additional cost. Calls made via Wi‑Fi are billed under the subscriber’s existing voice plan, meaning users can enjoy improved connectivity without extra charges. The move is part of BSNL’s efforts to enhance customer experience while managing network congestion as the operator continues expanding its infrastructure.

By launching VoWiFi nationwide, BSNL joins other telecom providers like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea that already offer Wi‑Fi calling. This rollout aligns with the company’s broader strategy to modernize its network, strengthen coverage in underserved areas, and prepare for future 4G and advanced network developments.

BSNL’s nationwide VoWiFi service is expected to significantly improve call quality and reliability, particularly in regions with limited cellular connectivity, helping the operator bridge digital gaps while providing seamless communication for its customers.

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Indian AI channel ‘Bandar Apna Dost’ tops YouTube

An India-based YouTube channel, Bandar Apna Dost, has become the world’s most-viewed channel producing AI-generated “slop” content, earning an estimated $4.25 million (₹35–38 crore) a year, according to a recent global study.

The finding is part of a report by video-editing platform Kapwing, which analysed nearly 15,000 popular YouTube channels worldwide to track the rise of low-effort, automated content. Such videos are typically created using AI tools with minimal human input and are designed mainly to maximise clicks, watch time, and advertising revenue.

Bandar Apna Dost topped the global list with over 2 billion views and several million subscribers. The channel features short animated videos centred on a cartoon monkey and a muscular, superhero-like character, placed in exaggerated, humorous situations. The videos are simple, repetitive, and easy to produce at scale.

The report identified 278 fully AI-driven channels on YouTube. Together, they have generated more than 63 billion views and attracted over 220 million subscribers, underlining how quickly AI-based content is expanding on the platform.

Kapwing’s analysis also pointed to the role of YouTube’s recommendation system. Around 20 percent of videos suggested to new users fall into the AI slop category. On YouTube Shorts, this share rises to nearly one-third, indicating that such content is strongly favoured by algorithms focused on engagement.

Industry observers say the success of channels like Bandar Apna Dost shows how AI has dramatically reduced the time, cost, and skill required to build a large online audience. At the same time, critics warn that the growing dominance of automated content could reduce visibility for original, human-created videos and reshape incentives for creators.

The rise of this Indian channel highlights a broader shift in digital media, where algorithm-friendly, AI-generated videos are becoming a major driver of views and revenue on global platforms.

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OpenAI offers Rs 5 crore AI safety job

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has raised concerns about the safety of advanced AI models, saying that AI systems are becoming more capable and could cause problems if not carefully managed. He highlighted that some AI models are now starting to find weaknesses in systems, which could potentially be misused.

To tackle these challenges, OpenAI is hiring a “Head of Preparedness”, a top-level role aimed at making AI safer. The company is offering around Rs 5 crore (USD 555,000) plus equity for this position. Altman himself described it as a “stressful job,” given the high responsibility involved.

The person chosen for this role will look for risks in AI systems, plan ways to reduce those risks, and make sure AI behaves safely as it becomes more powerful. They will also track potential threats, like AI being misused in cyber attacks or other dangerous scenarios. This role will be part of OpenAI’s broader Safety Systems team.

Altman stressed that while it is relatively easy to measure what AI can do, it is much harder to predict how AI could be misused. The role will require careful planning, monitoring, and quick decision-making to prevent possible harm.

This move shows that OpenAI is taking AI safety seriously, not just focusing on creating new technologies. As AI grows more advanced, experts like this will be crucial to ensure the technology is used responsibly.

Altman’s public statements also reflect a wider concern in the tech industry: as AI becomes more capable, companies need to balance innovation with safety to avoid unintended consequences.

OpenAI’s job opening and Altman’s warnings highlight that keeping AI safe is now as important as developing it, and the company is looking for top talent to take on this challenge.

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Ex‑Google founders pivot to AI, launch $100mn startup

Two former Google employees, Dhruv Amin and Marcus Lowe, have turned the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT into a business opportunity. The duo initially ran Create, a platform connecting startups with freelance developers, which generated over $2 million annually. However, the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 prompted them to rethink the future of coding and software development.

Seeing the potential for AI to automate much of the work their developers did, Amin and Lowe decided to close their existing marketplace in October 2023. They laid off half their small team and ended relationships with freelancers. “Within two weeks, we were back to an empty office,” Amin recalled.

From this reset, they rebuilt their company around AI-driven solutions. Their first products helped generate basic app components like forms and calendars. By April 2025, their rebranded startup, Anything, launched a more advanced platform capable of building complete online businesses, including backend systems and payment integrations, without users needing to write code.

The platform quickly gained traction. Within two weeks of the broader launch, Anything achieved an annualized revenue run rate of $2 million. Investor interest followed, resulting in $11 million in funding and a valuation of around $100 million.

Non-technical users have already built real applications on the platform, such as a salon booking app and a dental health tracker. While AI coding remains an emerging sector, Amin believes embracing the technology early positioned their company for growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Looking back, he described the decision to shut down their profitable business as difficult but strategic. Their story illustrates how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping entrepreneurship, enabling rapid innovation and entirely new business models.

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WhatsApp status gets AI photo makeover

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out AI-powered tools that allow users to creatively edit photos shared in their Status updates. With Meta AI integration, these features aim to make photo editing seamless and more imaginative, eliminating the need for third-party apps.

Currently, the tools are being tested in WhatsApp beta versions on both Android and iOS. Selected users can access an upgraded editing interface within the Status creation screen. Unlike traditional filters or stickers, the AI tools offer advanced transformations that can completely restyle or modify images.

The feature includes artistic themes such as Anime, Comic, Clay, Painting, 3D, and Kawaii. Instead of simply applying an overlay, the AI recreates the photo in the selected style. Users can also tap a “Redo” button to generate multiple variations until they find the preferred effect.

In addition to visual styles, the AI editor supports prompt-based editing. Users can type instructions to add or remove objects, tweak backgrounds, or enhance specific elements. The system fills in missing areas naturally, ensuring the edited photos look polished and realistic.

Another feature under testing is photo animation. Static images can be transformed into short animated visuals, adding movement and making Status updates more dynamic and engaging. This allows users to highlight moments in a lively, expressive way.

The rollout is gradual, starting with beta testers and eventually expanding to wider audiences after feedback and adjustments. Some users on stable app versions may also get early access in phases.

When fully launched, these Meta AI tools are expected to make WhatsApp Status a more creative space, enabling users to share and personalize photos effortlessly without leaving the app.

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Gmail users may soon change email IDs

Google is preparing to roll out a much-requested feature that will allow users to change their Gmail email address without creating a new account. For years, Gmail users who disliked their old or unprofessional usernames had no option but to open a fresh account and manually shift emails, files, and contacts. That may soon change.

According to reports, Google is testing a feature that lets users edit the username part of their Gmail address, the text before “@gmail.com”, while keeping the same Google account. This means users can modernise or professionalise their email ID without losing access to Gmail, Google Drive, Photos, YouTube, or other linked services.

Once the feature is enabled, users will be able to select a new Gmail ID through their account settings, subject to availability. Importantly, all existing emails, files, subscriptions, and settings will remain unchanged. The account itself stays the same,  only the visible email address is updated.

Google plans to retain the old Gmail address as an alias. Emails sent to the old address will still be delivered to the inbox, ensuring users do not miss messages from contacts who are unaware of the change. Users will also be able to sign in using either the old or new email address.

However, the feature will come with clear limits. Users are expected to be allowed to change their Gmail ID once every 12 months, with a maximum of three changes per account. The old username will not be released for use by others, helping prevent misuse or impersonation.

The update is especially useful for people who created Gmail accounts many years ago using casual, nickname-based, or outdated IDs and now want a more professional digital identity. It is also helpful for users who have undergone name changes or want consistency across platforms.

Google has not yet announced an exact global rollout date. The feature is expected to appear gradually and may first reach select regions and users. Gmail users are advised to check their account settings periodically for the new option as testing expands.

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Microsoft speeds up Windows encryption

Microsoft has rolled out a major upgrade to BitLocker, its built-in drive encryption tool for Windows, promising faster performance and better efficiency for users. The new feature, called hardware-accelerated BitLocker, is being introduced with the latest Windows 11 updates and is designed to make encryption less demanding on the system.

Traditionally, BitLocker relied mainly on the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) to encrypt and decrypt data stored on a device. While secure, this software-based approach could slow down performance, especially on laptops or systems handling large amounts of data. With the new update, Microsoft is shifting much of this work to specialised cryptographic hardware built directly into modern processors.

By using dedicated hardware for encryption, Windows can now secure data more quickly and with far less strain on the CPU. According to Microsoft, this change can deliver significantly faster read and write speeds on encrypted drives, bringing performance closer to that of unencrypted storage. It also reduces overall power consumption, which can help improve battery life on portable devices.

The hardware-accelerated BitLocker feature will automatically turn on for devices that meet the required hardware standards. These include newer processors and system-on-chips (SoCs) that support built-in encryption engines. Systems without compatible hardware will continue using the existing software-based BitLocker, ensuring no loss of functionality or security.

Security remains a key focus of the update. By handling encryption keys at the hardware level, the new approach adds an extra layer of protection. This reduces the risk of certain attacks that target encryption keys stored in system memory, complementing existing safeguards such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

The rollout has begun with Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, including upcoming versions like 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is expected to make the feature more widely available as part of future stable releases, with support gradually expanding across more devices and hardware platforms.

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Apple raises privacy concerns over Chrome

Apple has urged iPhone users to reconsider their use of Google Chrome, warning that the browser does not provide the same level of privacy protection as Apple’s Safari. The concern centres on how Chrome manages user tracking on iPhones, with Apple suggesting that certain forms of data collection may continue even when users believe they have limited tracking.

According to Apple, Safari is designed to block sophisticated tracking tools by default, including covert fingerprinting techniques that can quietly follow users across multiple websites. Chrome, by contrast, does not automatically prevent all such methods, raising questions about how much personal data may be shared without users being fully aware.

The warning comes as independent research adds weight to Apple’s claims. A recent global browser security study ranked Google Chrome as the second-poorest performer among major browsers when it comes to privacy and security. Researchers evaluated browsers on key parameters such as tracker blocking, resistance to fingerprinting and secure connections. Chrome’s high risk score indicates a greater likelihood of user data being tracked or exposed.

Despite being the most widely used browser worldwide, Chrome’s popularity has not translated into stronger privacy protections. The study found that Safari offered better safeguards straight out of the box, although it did not emerge as the best-performing browser overall.

The research also highlighted growing concerns around AI-powered browsers. One such browser ranked last for privacy after failing several basic tracking and security tests, fuelling worries that rapid innovation in AI-driven browsing may be outpacing essential privacy protections.

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