News for 'WhatsApp'

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An Indian Parliamentary panel has summoned major social media platforms like Meta, Google, X, and Snapchat, along with MeitY and Home Affairs officials, to discuss the regulation of digital platforms. The meeting, scheduled for August 3, will focus on user privacy, public order, and the platforms' role in recent protests.

WhatsApp can't play with citizens' privacy rights: SC

WhatsApp can't play with citizens' privacy rights: SC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The court is hearing appeals against a CCI order imposing a penalty on Meta and WhatsApp.

Govt summons Meta over Instagram ads promoting child abuse material

Govt summons Meta over Instagram ads promoting child abuse material

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to summon Meta regarding Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material, following a BBC investigation. This action comes shortly after the government also questioned Meta about WhatsApp's planned username feature, citing concerns over increased online fraud and cybercrimes.

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Cine and TV Artistes Association President Poonam Dhillon has strongly refuted allegations of misusing her position, calling them 'deeply offensive' and stemming from disgruntled CINTAA members who failed to get their way through legal proceedings.

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

A special NIA court in Jammu has rejected the bail plea of Insha Jan alias Insha Tariq, an accused in the 2019 Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, observing that sufficient material existed on record to presume that the accusations against her were prima facie true.

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Can your money be protected against online frauds like hacking, digital arrests, etc?

Like cockroaches, we will come again: Women at CJP protest

Like cockroaches, we will come again: Women at CJP protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Many of them travelled to Delhi in groups or connected with other participants through WhatsApp groups and activist networks. These networks helped them coordinate their travel, decide meeting points and stay in touch during the protest.

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The government has issued a stern notice to Meta on Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) in paid advertisements on Instagram, sources said on Sunday.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

10 Things We Learnt From KBC's New Season

10 Things We Learnt From KBC's New Season

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 launched on Sony Liv at 9 pm on August 10 with the stars and producer of Batwara in the hot seat.

10 Lessons About Gen Z From The Protests

10 Lessons About Gen Z From The Protests

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The protests changed how we see a generation. It shook us up, broke stereotypes and woke us up to smell the coffee.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke seeks cop's removal after confrontation

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke seeks cop's removal after confrontation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party convenor Abhijeet Dipke confronted a police sub-inspector assigned to his security detail in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, accusing him of being rude and restricting visitors. Dipke, who has security due to threats, also alleged that state CID personnel were monitoring his residence and reporting via a social media group.

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has extended the deadline for implementing SIM-binding rules for mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to December 31, following requests from the industry. The Department of Telecom has also relaxed the mandatory six-hour log-out rule for web versions of these apps.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is sending reminders for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination admit cards while cautioning candidates against fraudulent messages and fake communications, urging them to use only official channels for information.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Fresh controversy hits India's shooting setup

Fresh controversy hits India's shooting setup

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A top national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under investigation by the Sports Authority of India for alleged conflict of interest related to a contract for building a shooting range in Chennai.

AI crash: Family still recharges victim's phone, sends messages

AI crash: Family still recharges victim's phone, sends messages

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The family of Irfan Sheikh, a cabin crew member who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last year, continues to recharge his mobile phone and send him WhatsApp messages as a way to cope with their enduring grief.

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

An Indian Parliamentary standing committee has demanded an apology from Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg within three days for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook, threatening to withdraw immunity under the IT Act if he fails to comply. The committee also pushed for government action against Google India regarding financial fraud.

Zuckerberg apologises for Modi post removal, Meta admits failures

Zuckerberg apologises for Modi post removal, Meta admits failures

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg has issued an apology for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, while company executives acknowledged significant content moderation failures, including issues with child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, and the paid boosting of certain content.

Bangalore IT firm creche staff shut kids in washing machine, jetsprayed water in mouth

Bangalore IT firm creche staff shut kids in washing machine, jetsprayed water in mouth

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

An FIR has been registered against five women employees of a daycare centre in Bengaluru's Brookefield for allegedly physically abusing toddlers. The abuse, captured in videos shared via WhatsApp, includes threatening children, putting them in a washing machine, and spraying water into their mouths. Police are investigating the matter under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Why Friendship Day In The '90s Was So Special

Why Friendship Day In The '90s Was So Special

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Long before social media reels and tagged Instagram stories, friendships were celebrated with simple rituals that made the day unforgettable, says Divya Nair.

Indian Talent Continues To Ascend Global Tech Leadership Ranks

Indian Talent Continues To Ascend Global Tech Leadership Ranks

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Kunal Shah, founder of CRED, has been appointed global head of WhatsApp, joining a growing list of Indian-origin executives leading major technology companies worldwide. This trend underscores the increasing demand for Indian talent in strategic leadership roles across Silicon Valley.

Telegram app is back on Google after ban, not on Apple

Telegram app is back on Google after ban, not on Apple

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Instant messaging platform Telegram has been restored in India after a week-long government ban, imposed due to its alleged role in circulating leaked NEET examination papers, expired. The Delhi High Court had upheld the ban as lawful and necessary.

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A parliamentary standing committee on Information Technology has demanded a personal apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook. The committee also discussed potential legal action and the withdrawal of safe harbour protection, while questioning Meta officials on algorithmic bias and accountability.

UP youth with Pakistan terror links arrested in Karnataka

UP youth with Pakistan terror links arrested in Karnataka

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A 20-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, identified as Suhail, has been arrested in Davangere, Karnataka, on suspicion of having links with a Pakistan-based terror organisation. He was working as a painter and was found to be in contact with individuals in Pakistan via WhatsApp and social media. The arrest followed inputs from the National Investigation Agency, and authorities are investigating potential connections to previous cases.

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

GDN has a fascinating genius at its centre, but Madhavan's terrific performance is let down by a repetitive, overly familiar biopic treatment.

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

With political divisions dominating conversations, can couples with opposing views stay together?

Beyond Besties: Unexpected Friends Who Change Your Life

Beyond Besties: Unexpected Friends Who Change Your Life

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

From childhood playmates to train companions and mommies who become your friends, every phase of life introduces us to a new kind of friendship, says Divya Nair.

Changing society will see more cases like Sonam's, says SC

Changing society will see more cases like Sonam's, says SC

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court, while hearing a bail plea in a murder case, made significant observations about the changing nature of society, the vulnerability of the modern generation, the impact of nuclear families, and the role of technology in child-rearing.

Friendship Day: The Art Of Letting Building Friends Go

Friendship Day: The Art Of Letting Building Friends Go

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

There are friends you make because life brings you together. And then there are friends who become part of the place you call home. Mine lived across my building.

Turkman Gate violence: Whatsapp groups, 10 influencers under scanner

Turkman Gate violence: Whatsapp groups, 10 influencers under scanner

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

According to police, rumours claiming the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was demolishing the mosque spread primarily through voice notes shared across community, religious and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups ahead of a court-ordered anti-encroachment drive.

ITR Notices Explained: What Every Taxpayer Should Know

ITR Notices Explained: What Every Taxpayer Should Know

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'Taxpayers should not ignore any of these notices. Verifying the facts and responding promptly can help resolve issues early and avoid unnecessary litigation.'

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are protesting alleged paper leaks in PSC and other recruitment exams, demanding an independent inquiry by retired high court judges from outside the state. They have lost faith in the ongoing CID investigation, citing past failures, and threaten to intensify their agitation if their demands for a CBI or independent judicial probe are not met. The protests have garnered support from various organisations, with one leader on an indefinite hunger strike.

Duo Arrested In Jharkhand For Palghar Collector Impersonation Scam

Duo Arrested In Jharkhand For Palghar Collector Impersonation Scam

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, for allegedly creating a fake social media account in the name of the Palghar district collector and defrauding a local resident of Rs 50,000. Police successfully recovered the entire amount.

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation, alleging that orders to use force against students during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march over the NEET exam paper leak must have come from Shah himself. Dipke also criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister and dismissed Yoga guru Ramdev's comments on Gen Z.

Platforms Told To Prevent Child Exploitation Content

Platforms Told To Prevent Child Exploitation Content

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Experts urge internet platforms to adopt prevention-by-design and stronger AI systems to curb child sexual exploitation material and improve online child safety.

Six Arrested After Gym Argument Turns Violent

Six Arrested After Gym Argument Turns Violent

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Six men have been arrested in Bengaluru after a WhatsApp group argument related to a gym escalated into a violent attack on a part-time gym trainer.

NEET row: Govt summons Meta over Modi post block, rejects glitch explanation

NEET row: Govt summons Meta over Modi post block, rejects glitch explanation

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The government on Tuesday summoned a top Meta executive after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent post addressing India's youth and promising stringent measures against paper leaks was briefly restricted by Facebook, and although the US-headquartered social media giant blamed it on a technical glitch and apologised, the IT Ministry found the explanation "inadequate".

Six Arrested After Gym Argument Turns Violent

Six Arrested After Gym Argument Turns Violent

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Six men have been arrested in Bengaluru after a WhatsApp group argument related to a gym escalated into a violent attack on a part-time gym trainer.