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Technology

X faced second global outage in 3 days

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, went down on Friday, affecting users in India and other countries. This is the second major outage in just three days, causing frustration among users who rely on the platform for news, updates, and communication.

The outage started around 8 pm IST in India, with users reporting that timelines were not loading, posts could not be uploaded, and direct messages were not working. On the outage tracking website Downdetector, more than 4,500 reports appeared within an hour, showing the scale of the disruption.

The problem was not limited to India. Users in the United States, the UK, Canada, and several European and Asian countries also reported issues. Most complaints involved the core functionality of X, including posting tweets, refreshing feeds, and accessing the app or website.

Earlier this week, X had a similar outage, and the back-to-back issues highlight ongoing technical problems. Users have expressed concern about the platform’s reliability, especially since X is widely used for both personal communication and professional updates.

As of now, X has not provided a detailed explanation for the outage or given a timeline for when all issues will be fully resolved. Many users are turning to other social media platforms to stay connected while X experiences intermittent problems.

Tech experts say that repeated outages could affect user confidence, as platform stability and uptime are critical for social media services. Continuous disruptions can lead users to explore alternatives and put pressure on the company to improve its infrastructure.

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Technology

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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Leaders

Elon Musk fights EU over X platform fine

Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been fined €120 million ($140 million) by the European Union, the first major penalty under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Regulators said X violated rules by allowing users to buy “blue checkmarks,” lacking transparency in advertising, and restricting researcher access to public data.

The “blue checkmark,” previously reserved for verified public figures, can now be purchased by anyone, which the EU says misleads users about authenticity. The EU also flagged X’s advertising practices for not being transparent, with unclear information about ad buyers and targeting. Researchers were reportedly blocked from accessing public data, limiting scrutiny of content and potential misuse.

Musk reacted strongly, calling the EU a “bureaucratic monster” and saying it “should be abolished.” His response reflects his frustration with regulatory oversight and his willingness to challenge global institutions.

Since acquiring Twitter, Musk has reshaped the platform, introducing paid verification, subscription services, and new content policies. These moves, while controversial, show his focus on rapid innovation and monetization. The EU fine challenges this approach but also highlights Musk’s risk-taking leadership style.

Experts say the fine is a warning to global tech companies that EU regulations will be strictly enforced. It also underscores the tension between international regulation and the fast-moving world of digital platforms. Musk’s defiance positions him as a leader ready to confront regulatory challenges while pursuing his vision for X.

This clash marks a defining moment for Musk and the platform, showing how global tech leadership now involves navigating legal, regulatory, and political pressures. As digital rules tighten worldwide, Musk’s bold approach to innovation and governance is likely to face more scrutiny, making him a central figure in shaping the future of social media and tech regulation.

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