News for 'WhatsApp'

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Messaging platform Telegram has submitted its reply to the IT Ministry's notice regarding its 'username' feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, following a similar submission by WhatsApp.

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Rediff.com5 days ago

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

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.

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.

Madhya Pradesh Collector's WhatsApp Account Hacked, Money Demands Sent to Contacts

Madhya Pradesh Collector's WhatsApp Account Hacked, Money Demands Sent to Contacts

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The WhatsApp account of the Barwani district collector in Madhya Pradesh was hacked, with fraudsters sending messages to her contacts requesting money.

'Not settled and done': Meta summoned over Modi's post removal

'Not settled and done': Meta summoned over Modi's post removal

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Indian government has summoned Meta's global head of public policy after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, addressing youth and promising action against paper leaks, was temporarily removed. Meta attributed the removal to a 'glitch' in its automated content filters, an explanation the government deems insufficient, demanding further discussions.

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Indian government has sought explanations from WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal regarding their username features, citing serious concerns about potential impersonation and cybercrime. IT Secretary S Krishnan highlighted the risks, leading to notices being served to these platforms, with WhatsApp specifically asked to pause its rollout of the feature.

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.

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.

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.

Indian accused of killing wife in US; shared body photos with lover

Indian accused of killing wife in US; shared body photos with lover

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

An Indian man, Avinash Narne, has been charged with first-degree murder in the US state of Washington, almost nine months after his wife, Raajitha Sabbineni, was found dead. Prosecutors allege Narne premeditated the strangulation, staged the crime scene, and had a secret romantic relationship with another woman in India, to whom he allegedly sent photos of his wife's body.

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the use of information from 'WhatsApp University' as evidence in a case concerning religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites, including the Sabarimala Temple.

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 investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Govt investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought an explanation from WhatsApp regarding its username feature, citing concerns over potential cybercrime facilitation. Concurrently, the ministry is investigating reported data leak allegations involving Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple's iPhone components in India. MeitY is also exploring techno-legal solutions for VPNs to address challenges posed by unregistered providers operating from outside India.

Bihar Man Arrested Over Pakistani WhatsApp Contacts

Bihar Man Arrested Over Pakistani WhatsApp Contacts

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A man has been arrested in Bihar, India, after police discovered WhatsApp chats with Pakistani phone numbers on his mobile phones.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Man Killed in Palghar Over WhatsApp DP Argument

Man Killed in Palghar Over WhatsApp DP Argument

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

A 24-year-old man was stabbed to death in Palghar district following a dispute over a WhatsApp display picture.

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?

WhatsApp chats not enough to prove cruelty for divorce: HC

WhatsApp chats not enough to prove cruelty for divorce: HC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Bombay high court has ruled that WhatsApp chats alone are insufficient evidence to grant a divorce on grounds of cruelty, emphasising the need for a fair hearing and opportunity to rebut allegations.

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.

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.

No Extension For WhatsApp SIM Linking

No Extension For WhatsApp SIM Linking

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'On national security issues, there can be no compromise.'

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.