REGULATORS
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.
Eyewear regulation Bill may come up in Parliament's winter session; MP Gopchade seeks national vision-care board
Rajya Sabha member Ajeet Gopchade has proposed a private member's Bill for regulating eyewear products and vision-care services. He has urged the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to assess creating a National Optical/Vision Care Board. The proposal aims to ensure consumer protection and quality standards in vision-care. The existing Medical Devices Rules, 2017, may need strengthening for better oversight.
Sebi’s new settlement regulations to come into force from Nov 7; rolls out online application, calculator
Sebi's new settlement regulations take effect November 7, 2026, allowing eligible entities to settle specified administrative and civil proceedings at different stages. The framework introduces application deadlines, revised fees, settlement notices and stricter eligibility conditions.
EU charges TikTok over harmful algorithmic 'rabbit hole' effects
EU tech regulators charged social media platform TikTok on Friday with breaching the bloc's online content rules due to the so-called "rabbit hole" effect of its recommender system, which attracts users' attention to a constant stream of
Why did US stocks crash? Trump blames Democrats as AI regulation fears rattle markets
Donald Trump blamed the Democrats' midterm election gains for Wall Street's sharp selloff, as concerns over potential curbs on AI investments rattled technology stocks. Uncertainty surrounding data centre expansion and regulatory scrutiny added to investor anxiety.
Infosys, Wipro, TCS and other IT stocks rise up to 3% as US AI rout deepens; is the bubble bursting?
In the wake of a worldwide AI stock decline, companies such as Infosys and TCS have seen their shares rise, demonstrating a contrasting trend. This downturn has sparked fears of impending regulations within the sector, prompting analysts to predict that Indian IT companies might leverage this moment to enhance their entrepreneurial AI ventures, all while experts caution against excessive financial commitments in the AI landscape.
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US proposes space launch rule changes in potential boost for SpaceX
The FAA said it was proposing changes to definitions of when a flight abort is not mandatory and to clarify requirements and thresholds for when an abort - the early end of a launch or mission because of a problem - must occur. The FAA is proposing to revise rules for spacecraft breaking up as they fall to Earth and how space companies calculate the risks of falling space debris from those vehicles hitting people on the ground.
Centre mulls panel to revisit UGC equity regulations amid Supreme Court case
On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the 2026 UGC regulations due to concerns over ambiguity. The Centre has informed the court about the possibility of forming a committee to revisit these regulations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that the government aims to address the concerns of all student groups. Several petitions have challenged the constitutional validity of specific provisions within the regulations.
Sebi revises currency derivative norms for domestic investors, FPIs; allows to trade up to USD 5 mn
Sebi has revised its regulations to permit domestic and foreign portfolio investors to take positions in currency derivatives. Investors can now hold up to USD 5 million without establishing underlying exposure. The new guidelines also require FPIs to ensure their short positions do not exceed this limit. For amounts above the threshold, FPIs must have underlying exposure in Indian debt or equity securities.
US midterm results threaten data center boom as AI backlash grows
US midterm election results have raised fresh concerns over the future of America's data centre boom, with Democratic victories in Texas and Georgia strengthening opposition to new projects. Investors fear tighter regulations, construction moratoriums and reduced tax incentives could disrupt AI infrastructure spending, putting nearly 45% of planned US capacity at risk.
UGC to relook controversial caste discrimination, ragging rules: Govt tells SC
The Centre has told the Supreme Court that it is considering appointing a committee to revisit the UGC's 2026 regulations on caste discrimination in higher education institutions. The submission comes after the top court put the rules on hold in January, citing concerns over vague provisions and their potential consequences.
MIT scientists shone patterned light on starfish egg cells carrying a modified enzyme; the cells moved and changed shape, and some were stretched into squares
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have engineered starfish egg cells to respond to light stimuli, allowing them to dynamically alter their shapes. These cells can morph from elongated squares to contracted forms depending on the intensity of light exposure. This innovative research opens doors for potential advancements in synthetic biology, including tissue repair and targeted drug delivery systems that activate precisely where needed.
Pentagon chief tech officer says US will detail laws that apply to AI labs this month
The US federal government is preparing to reveal the regulations applicable to domestic AI labs. Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael announced that details will be shared in a couple of weeks. The Super Intelligence Task Force was established to regulate AI policy following concerns about industry practices. Michael emphasized the importance of creating a regulatory framework that builds public confidence.
Govt plans instant ban on manufacturing of drugs failing key quality tests
Pharma companies could have their drug licenses suspended immediately if quality tests indicate failure. The health ministry's proposed changes aim to protect public health by enforcing swift action on substandard medications. Regulators would take action upon receiving a government analyst's report declaring a drug not of standard quality. Manufacturers would need to perform a root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to lift the suspension.
FSSAI accuses PepsiCo of ‘duping’ consumers by marketing Sting, Adrenaline Rush as 'energy drinks'
FSSAI has told the Delhi High Court that PepsiCo India deliberately markets its Sting Energy and Adrenaline Rush beverages as energy drinks to mislead consumers, despite the absence of prescribed standards for the category. The regulator has opposed the company's request for a 12-month extension to exhaust existing packaging material, citing public health concerns.
Crazy economics gets a stop button
After the US midterm elections, stock futures show a positive reaction despite ongoing economic uncertainties. Trump's legislative agenda faces gridlock, impacting his trade and immigration policies significantly. The focus will shift to regulating AI, potentially stalling infrastructure growth in the US economy. India's position in trade negotiations may improve due to Trump's need for success overseas.
Sebi initiates action against 8 investment advisers over non-payment of renewal fees
SEBI has initiated proceedings against eight registered investment advisers for failing to pay mandatory renewal fees. The defaults span 2018 to 2024, with the regulator seeking explanations and warning of possible suspension or cancellation of registrations.
Sebi eases KYC norms for NRIs, OCIs, allows digital onboarding from December 3
SEBI has relaxed KYC requirements for NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals, allowing eligible overseas clients in FATF-compliant countries to complete onboarding digitally. The revised framework introduces video verification, electronic documents and simplified repeat KYC, effective December 3, 2026.
India says PepsiCo, Monster marketed with 'energy drink' label to dupe consumers
India's food regulator FSSAI has accused PepsiCo and Monster Beverage of misleading consumers by marketing high-caffeine products as energy drinks, defending its ban on the label. The dispute has escalated into a legal battle, with the regulator citing public health risks linked to caffeine, sugar and taurine content.
Bitcoin near $78,600, Ethereum at $2,300 as US midterm results put crypto regulation in focus
Bitcoin traded near $78,000 as institutional outflows and macroeconomic uncertainty kept sentiment cautious across the cryptocurrency market. Investors tracked US midterm election results, potential changes in crypto regulation, Federal Reserve rate expectations, and ETF flows for cues on the market's next move.
Emomee calls for stronger regulation of children’s digital content
Emomee, a children's entertainment company, emphasises the need for better regulation of digital content for young viewers. The company's founders, motivated by their children's viewing experiences, focus on creating quality educational programming. Recently, Emomee launched a series on Netflix and is exploring global partnerships for distribution. They are also developing physical products and considering live events to engage audiences.
Delhi airport working with regulators to further ease security clearance for transfer passengers
Delhi airport is working with security regulators to ease clearance procedures for transfer passengers, who account for 30-35% of its annual traffic, GMR Airports Executive Director S G K Kishore said. He also defended airport charges, saying higher infrastructure investments push up tariffs, which could decline over time.
OpenAI’s India user base doubles; Rapido GOV quadruples
Happy Tuesday! India has become ChatGPT’s largest market globally, with its user base doubling. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Sebi issues rules for depositary receipts on REITs, InvITs units
India's market regulator has unveiled a new framework enabling foreign investors to invest in REITs and InvITs, aiming to boost foreign capital in these sectors. To issue depositary receipts, REITs and InvITs must gain approvals from both local and international exchanges, requiring a minimum of 75% consent from unitholders for any fresh offerings. Currently, established REITs and InvITs in India are already open to foreign investments under certain regulations.
Australian outback data centre pulls timeline after regulator stalls
Startup Energy North, which says it has finance lined up for a sprawling gas and solar-powered data centre on a cattle ranch in the country's remote north, 683 km (424 miles) from the nearest city, had given a "first power" date of June 28, 2028, in regulatory filings four months ago.
RSS terms UGC norms against discrimination 'unbalanced'
RSS has expressed concerns regarding the University Grants Commission's anti-discrimination regulations, stating that they are unbalanced. The government is being urged to revise the framework to maintain social harmony. As the Supreme Court intervened, the UGC regulations were temporarily stayed, allowing the previous framework to continue. The RSS emphasised the need for balanced decisions that would foster societal strength and cohesion.
Sebi to delist penny stocks: Market regulator plans AI-based surveillance of such firms
The Securities and Exchange Board of India plans to delist companies that have no economic activity. This move aims to protect investors, especially those investing in penny stocks. The regulator highlights the potential dangers posed by such inactive companies in the market. Additionally, Sebi intends to announce compliance requirements for foreign institutional investors soon.
Good intentions, unintended consequences: The cost of regulation
Regulation is vital for protecting consumers and building trust, but unpredictable or poorly calibrated policy changes can disrupt business economics, valuations and investment.
ET EXPLAINER: What do the new REIT regulation amendments mean for investors?
SEBI amended REIT regulations to revise unitholder voting thresholds, introduce exit options for dissenting investors during specified sponsor exits, permit depository receipts against REIT units and modify common infrastructure definitions, with implications for governance, investor protection and market access.
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