ONLINE SAFETY REGULATIONS
Snapchat starts disabling friend-finder feature for UK children, regulator says
Ofcom said the change would make it harder for strangers to contact children on the image-sharing social media platform, one it considers among the largest and most popular online services used by children in Britain.
Google, Meta, TikTok sue to block California youth social media law
The law, known as Assembly Bill 1709, prohibits such platforms from offering underage children "psychologically exploitative features" that could lead to compulsive use, such as providing personal recommendations and sending videos through autoplay features. It also requires the deletion of children's accounts with those features.
Reddit blasts Australia's 'inept' social media ban as court challenge begins
Australia's world-first teen social media ban was "ill thought out" and amounted to a "profound restriction on political debate", a lawyer for messaging platform Reddit told the country's top court in the first legal challenge to the law.
Deep use cases vault India to ChatGPT’s top global market: OpenAI's India MD
During a visit to India last year, the ChatGPT maker’s cofounder Sam Altman said that India was the fastest growing market for the frontier lab and was already the second largest in terms of users globally. Market estimates had earlier put the India user base at 100 million.
Smart fridge, security camera, video doorbell, router, car, thermostat: Everyday devices hackers can exploit and how to protect them
Cyberattacks involving supermarket refrigerators and freezers have raised concerns about the security of everyday internet-connected devices. From smart appliances and security cameras to routers, thermostats and connected cars, several products could be vulnerable to hacking. Here is what cybercriminals could do after accessing these devices and the precautions users can take to protect themselves.
New York passes law restricting children's use of AI chatbots
The governor of New York state signed a new law Wednesday preventing minors from using AI chatbots that act as companions, in one of the broadest moves yet for restricting consumer-facing models. "No longer will minors have access to chatbots that pretend to be their friends, boyfriends and girlfriends," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said at a signing ceremony Wednesday.
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Free Fire India release date: Garena announces October 28 launch, check download details and new features
Garena has officially announced that Free Fire India will be available for download on October 28, specifically tailored for Indian players. The launch will include a Diwali campaign that showcases India's rich cultural diversity through exclusive in-game items and themed artwork. Optimized for budget smartphones, the game aims for greater accessibility while prioritizing user data security by storing information on local servers.
Petrol cars, EVs and crash-test standards face changes; vehicle owners, check how the government plans to make cars safer
The government has tightened vehicle safety norms to reduce fuel leaks, fire risks and electrical hazards in rear-end collisions. All new vehicles manufactured from April 2029 will have to comply with revised fuel-system and electric vehicle battery protection standards. The government has also mandated safety standards for installed Event Data Recorders from October 2029, while updated crash-test and pedestrian protection rules will be introduced in phases from 2027.
87 million Facebook users & political targeting: What was the Cambridge Analytica scandal that is back in focus as Meta faces a $25 billion hit
Meta Platforms has been ordered to pay $25 billion for misleading consumers about data privacy in New Mexico. The ruling follows a jury finding that the company misrepresented access to personal information. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez initiated the case, citing violations of consumer protection laws. This penalty is one of the largest ever imposed on a company by a state.
The food Indians buy is changing, and so is the scrutiny of what companies promise
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued over 150 notices to various food and beverage companies. These notices address misleading advertisements, false claims, and labeling violations concerning multiple products. Regulatory actions involve well-known brands like ITC, AWL Agri Business, Dabur, and Hindustan Unilever. Additionally, serious food-safety violations have been flagged against companies like Priyagold and Dodla Dairy.
FSSAI issues notice to Nestle India over Lactogen Pro 1 digestion claim
FSSAI has issued a notice to Nestle India regarding a claim that its product, Lactogen Pro 1 Powder contains easily digestible whey protein. Nestle India is required to provide scientific evidence and supporting documents to substantiate the claim. This action is part of a broader crackdown on misleading claims by food business operators in the industry.
OpenAI’s IPO dream may shatter with distress sale to MS
In a recent discussion, Gary Marcus raised critical flags about OpenAI's fiscal responsibilities as the stock market faces instability. He warned that the demise of leading AI firms could trigger extensive financial repercussions. Notably, Marcus compared the current climate to WeWork's disastrous decline, suggesting that Microsoft might pick up OpenAI at a bargain.
Parcel delivery, kitchen fire and unexpected hero: Woman shares CCTV footage of delivery agent's act of kindness
Kitchen fire incident news: A delivery agent has won hearts online after stepping in to help Dr Shivangi Joshi when a fire broke out in her kitchen during a parcel delivery. Sharing CCTV footage on Instagram, Joshi praised his quick response and thanked him for helping her during the emergency.
Women entrepreneurs can power Asia’s digital trade boom
Women entrepreneurs across Asia are increasingly turning to digital trade, enabling them to reach markets far beyond their local confines. This transition allows them to bypass traditional mobility challenges and limited funding opportunities. A variety of initiatives are in place to bolster women-led enterprises through training and improved financial access.
As weight-loss drug users turn to dietary supplements, doctors, regulators raise flags
The growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy is driving demand for dietary supplements in the US, as users seek to manage side effects including nausea, fatigue and constipation. Supplement sales exceeded $74 billion in 2025, while TikTok Shop generated more than $1 billion in supplement sales.
The Social Reckoning: Looking back at Facebook’s 2021 controversy and where Meta stands today
Aaron Sorkin’s latest film focuses on Facebook's past controversies and the implications of its business model. The story centres around whistleblower Frances Haugen and her allegations regarding Facebook's internal practices. Meta, formerly Facebook, is navigating ongoing concerns about safety and user engagement. The film, while offering a dramatic retelling, critiques the effectiveness of Meta’s strategies.
Online festive sales fizzle; Snowflake CEO on AI’s impact on software
Happy Monday! Festive ecommerce sales have slowed down this year, we tell you why. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Bengal CM hints at scrapping VIP gates at Durga Puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Following a tragic stampede during Durga Puja celebrations, Kolkata Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced reforms for crowd management. The government may ban VIP gates to ensure equal access for all puja revellers. A special investigation team will be formed to examine the incident's circumstances and police actions. Compensation will be provided to victims and their families, with a focus on improving future safety measures.
Children have fundamental right to access internet, can't impose blanket ban on its use: SC
The Supreme Court affirmed the right to access the internet as fundamental for children. It ordered the creation of a national database to detect and remove harmful content targeting minors. The court emphasized the importance of content moderation while ensuring child safety online. It implemented measures to combat the increase in child sexual exploitation material on digital platforms.
US reviving shuttered nuclear plants to meet growing electricity demand and to power data centres
The United States is planning to restart three closed nuclear plants to address rising energy needs. These plants were shut down due to high electricity costs but are now sought after for carbon-free energy. Large technology companies are contracting for power from these facilities, ensuring a stable revenue. Restarting these plants will be faster and cheaper than building new reactors.
Apple names Meta veteran Scott Tucker as litigation chief in legal team shake-up
Apple has hired former Meta litigation chief Scott Tucker as vice president of global litigation and financial services, strengthening its legal leadership amid mounting antitrust, patent and other lawsuits. The appointment is part of a broader reorganisation under General Counsel Jennifer Newstead, as the iPhone maker faces legal setbacks threatening its services business.
Supreme Court seeks Centre's reply on social media curbs for kids
The petition, filed by Emerald Heights International School, Indore, and its director Siddharth Singh, seeks comprehensive safeguards for children using social media platforms.
Bharat D2C Conclave 2026: From the ₹100 crore playbook to AI-led advertising and omnichannel strategies, founders on scaling India’s consumer brands
Inside the Bharat D2C Conclave 2026, which brought founders, investors and policymakers together to discuss the business decisions shaping India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) ecosystem, from scaling revenues and expanding distribution to using customer data and navigating regulatory requirements.
Food companies, quick-commerce platforms face stricter FSSAI checks, higher compliance costs: Jefferies
Food companies, restaurants and quick-commerce platforms may face higher compliance costs and operational delays as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) expands regulatory scrutiny across the food supply chain, Jefferies said in a report.
Australia says won't let big tech have 'unfettered' access to kids
Australia said Thursday it refused to allow big tech to have "unfettered" access to its kids as it formally introduced new legislation that would give users choice over what they see on their feeds. "I wholeheartedly believe one day we will look back on Australia's minimum age for social media and think, 'I cannot believe we used to let big tech have unfettered access to our children'."
UK media regulator says concerns persist over X's handling of illegal content
X's first quarterly report to Ofcom showed it had met commitments to review suspected illegal hate and terror content within agreed timeframes, with response times improving compared with evidence examined earlier this year.
Philippine lower house approves bill restricting minors' social media access
The Philippines is the latest country, from Greece and Portugal to Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia, to try to curb social media use by minors, as concern grows over its effects on child health and safety.
From paneer to pizza, FSSAI puts India’s ₹200 lakh crore consumer boom to the test. Who pays?
The FSSAI's escalated enforcement in consumer sectors in India has led to increased compliance costs for companies. Many brands are now reevaluating their product claims and formulations as they face regulatory pressure. This heightened scrutiny could lead to rising operational costs and may require pricing changes for consumers. The increased compliance standards will likely benefit organized companies while posing significant challenges for smaller, unregulated businesses over time.
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