Tag: WhatsApp

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SC tells WhatsApp to follow law or exit India

The Supreme Court has sharply criticized WhatsApp and Meta over their privacy policies, warning that foreign tech firms must follow Indian laws or exit the country. Chief Justice Surya Kant said: “If you can’t follow our Constitution, then leave India.”

The case relates to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy update, which required users to share data with Meta. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined WhatsApp ₹213 crore for abusing its market dominance, and this decision was partially upheld by the NCLAT. Meta has challenged the penalty in the Supreme Court.

The court raised concerns about informed consent, noting that millions of users may not fully understand complex privacy terms. It stressed that private user data cannot be exploited commercially for targeted ads.

As an interim measure, WhatsApp has been ordered not to share user information with Meta until the case is resolved. The government, through the Ministry of Electronics and IT, has been made a party to the case to ensure compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

The bench emphasised that fundamental privacy rights cannot be compromised for business gains, and the matter will be heard further in the coming weeks.

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WhatsApp adds ‘Strict Account Settings’ for user safety

Scrolling through WhatsApp, most of us expect a safe space to chat with friends and family. But in today’s world, even messaging apps can expose users to scams, spam, and cyberattacks. To address this, WhatsApp has introduced Strict Account Settings, a new feature that gives users more control over who can contact them and what content reaches their chats. The update is gradually rolling out on Android and iOS.

When enabled, the feature applies the strictest privacy settings automatically. Messages, media, and calls from unknown contacts are restricted, while suspicious links and previews are blocked. This means fewer chances of encountering scams or harmful content. While it’s optional, WhatsApp says the mode is especially useful for high-risk users such as journalists, activists, or public figures, but anyone concerned about privacy can turn it on.

To activate it, users can go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Strict Account Settings. WhatsApp reassures users that all chats remain end-to-end encrypted; the feature simply adds an extra layer of protection by limiting interactions with unknown contacts and potentially harmful content.

Experts believe this feature is a step in the right direction. They believe that giving people more control over their accounts helps reduce risks from cyberattacks and harassment.

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Meta to test paid perks on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, is preparing to test premium subscription plans across its flagship apps. The company says the move will allow users to access extra tools and AI-powered features, while keeping the core services free for everyone.

The plan is part of Meta’s broader effort to diversify revenue beyond advertising. Rather than a single universal package, each app will likely offer distinct premium bundles designed around how users interact with the platform. Meta hasn’t shared details on pricing, timing, or the markets where the tests will begin.

On Instagram, early reports suggest that premium subscribers could see features such as advanced audience insights, private Story viewing, and unlimited follower lists. These tools aim to help users and creators manage content and engagement more effectively. Meta also plans to integrate AI-based creative tools, letting subscribers generate content, create videos, and manage interactions more efficiently. Some of these AI features, currently free, may move to a freemium model, where basic access remains free but advanced options require a subscription.

Details for Facebook and WhatsApp remain limited. Meta says premium offerings for these apps may focus on productivity, messaging, and enhanced content creation. For WhatsApp, this could appeal to professional users and community managers, though specific tools are not yet confirmed.

These new subscription plans are separate from Meta Verified, the company’s existing paid service for identity verification, account protection, and support for creators. Meta will leverage lessons from Meta Verified to shape its broader premium strategy.

Industry experts note that while other platforms, like Snapchat and X, have found success with paid subscriptions, Meta faces the challenge of convincing billions of users, long accustomed to free access, that premium features are worth paying for. The company plans to monitor user feedback closely, adjusting offerings as needed before a potential full rollout.

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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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