USER CONSENT
Indian organisations on edge as sites fail to Captcha AI intruders
Personal AI agents such as Instinct, Muse, Grokbot and OpenClaw have taken over the consumer internet in the US. But last month, major US banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley, reportedly flagged AI agents such as Meta’s Muse accessing customer accounts using login credentials voluntarily shared by users laying bare the risks of handing AI agents the keys to consumers’ digital lives.
Who is Surekha Vani? Telugu actress' Instagram account hacked, issues warning over circulation of private content
Actress Surekha Vani has taken to social media to announce that her Instagram account has been compromised, leading to the unauthorised distribution of her private content. She has called upon users and media outlets to cease sharing this content. To protect her privacy, Vani is prepared to initiate legal proceedings against anyone who continues to circulate these materials.
Offline Aadhaar verification to get easier for users as UIDAI onboards 300 entities to complete process
UIDAI has successfully onboarded 300 Offline Verification Seeking Entities since the launch in January 2026. This initiative aims to enhance Aadhaar-based offline verification across various sectors including healthcare, education, and hospitality. Users can now complete identity checks without submitting physical copies of their Aadhaar cards.
Aadhaar App: 300 organisations adopt offline verification system; users can verify identity without photocopies
In a significant move, UIDAI has rolled out its offline verification service to incorporate 300 organizations spanning diverse sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, and consumer services. This initiative enables users to validate their identities through the Aadhaar App, which boasts upgraded security features. Consequently, the requirement for physical Aadhaar cards during transactions is eliminated, showcasing the increasing importance of Aadhaar in routine transactions, extending well beyond governmental functionality.
Meta halts new business terms after backlash over data scraping and AI use
Meta has postponed the rollout of new terms affecting its business accounts due to significant backlash. Critics claimed these changes could lead to unauthorized data scraping and unfair competition against news publishers. A Norwegian court granted an injunction on the terms, highlighting concerns over Meta's market dominance. The U.K. competition authority has also initiated an investigation into these new business conditions.
Consent managers search for viable revenue model as registration nears
Consent managers are intended to help individuals manage, review and withdraw consent for the processing of their personal data, and they're required to be registered with the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI). A consent manager is data-blind, and processes metadata, consent artifacts, and cryptographic routing instructions.
Digi Yatra starts international passenger trials at seven airports on select Air India, IndiGo flights
Touch points while travelling on select international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo. According to Ministry of Civil Aviation, the trials are being conducted at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports. Eligible passengers will be able to use the facility at terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas (SHA) and boarding gates, wherever the required infrastructure is available.
GST reforms: Easier registration for small e-commerce sellers, faster refunds to take effect Nov 1
Simplified GST registration processes will benefit small sellers using e-commerce platforms without physical presence in multiple states. The GST portal will offer user-friendly interfaces and clearer documentation requirements for registration applications. Automatic sanctioning of full refund claims for excess balance in electronic cash ledgers will expedite the refund process. Flexibility in post-supply discount taxation will support industries with volume-based incentives and trade schemes.
See data centres less as energy-sucking private warehouses, and more as quasi-public utilities
We need data centres. They run far more than ChatGPT. Search, banking, streaming, social networks, cloud software, government services, hospitals and almost every company's digital operations depend on them. AI simply raises the requirement dramatically. Google says its Vizag hub will provide new subsea connectivity for India. IEA says electricity use by AI-focused data centres jumped 50% in 2025. A country without serious compute infrastructure risks becoming a consumer, rather than a producer, of the AI revolution.
Bengaluru Metro Shocker: ‘I caught him red-handed’: Woman alleges fellow passenger secretly recorded her on metro, FIR filed
Sowpika took a stand against a man suspected of secretly recording her while traveling on a Bengaluru Metro train. She captured her emotional response and displayed her fully covered clothing during this unsettling experience. After the encounter, the accused reportedly fled when the train came to a stop. Sowpika wasted no time in alerting metro authorities and has lodged a police complaint.
Anthropic IPO rocks Indian IT; Why Walmart is in no hurry to list Flipkart
Anthropic’s US IPO filing sent Indian IT stocks lower on Tuesday. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Digi Yatra to start international passenger trials at 7 Indian airports for Air India and IndiGo flyers
Starting November 1, eligible Indian nationals can participate in international passenger trials for Digi Yatra at seven airports. Using the Digi Yatra mobile app, passengers with e-passports can generate digital identity credentials by scanning their passports and verifying information. The updated app focuses on improving user experience and expanding service capabilities globally, while ensuring that existing travel documentation requirements remain in effect.
Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on media groups' challenge to privacy law
A petition from the Digital News Publishers Association challenges provisions of India's digital privacy law. The law may restrict journalistic activities by requiring consent from individuals under investigation. News publishers argue that this could hinder the freedom of the press and expose confidential sources. Concerns regarding the potential penalties for non-compliance have also been raised by the petitioners.
Jane Doe in Cornell University gang rape case allowed to remain anonymous, judge warns against threats: Know why the court granted her request and what it means
In a bid for justice, Jane Doe, a Cornell University student, has been granted confidentiality in her rape lawsuit against seven male peers. She accuses them of drugging and assaulting her at a fraternity house in 2024, and reports experiencing frequent threats. Her attorney highlights her constant state of fear and incidents of online harassment, including doxxing.
'Peak woke insanity': Scottish museum removes Egyptian mummies from display, cites lack of 'consent' and 'respect' for the dead
In a significant move towards ethical considerations, Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has taken ancient Egyptian mummies off public view, guided by a draft Human Remains Policy that prioritizes respect and consent. Among the mummies now removed are notable artifacts, including a male head and the remains of a priest known as Nekt.
GST reforms from November 1 to simplify e-commerce seller registration, fast-track refunds
Starting November 1, the government plans to simplify GST registration for small e-commerce sellers. These reforms intend to reduce compliance burdens and facilitate faster refund processes. New measures will streamline registration by allowing sellers to declare e-commerce warehouses as their Principal Place of Business. Automated systems will issue refunds without officer intervention to improve operational efficiency. A minimum threshold for issuing show-cause notices will also be introduced to lower litigation.
India notifies new telecom rules that allow time-bound exemptions to test emerging technologies
The Indian government has introduced new rules to facilitate the testing of telecommunication technologies in controlled environments. These rules provide exemptions from certain regulatory requirements under existing laws aimed at fostering innovation. Regulatory sandboxes will allow for trial of new services under specified conditions before commercial deployment. The government will oversee eligibility criteria and risk management measures for participants.
Meta beats expectations but legal penalties hit profit amid AI race
Meta beat investor expectations for third-quarter revenue on Wednesday as it doubles down on a global AI race but the social media giant's profits took a hit due to an $18 billion legal settlement with nearly all US states. The company reported $9.86 billion in profits from July to September, almost 50 percent below investor expectations, which Meta said was dragged down by a $9.9 billion charge related to the settlement.
Healthtech startup Curebay raises Rs 100 crore funding led by IvyCap Ventures
The company will use the fresh capital to expand its footprint, strengthen its technology and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, and enter new markets, including Andhra Pradesh, Priyadarshi Mohapatra, cofounder and CEO Curebay, told ET.
Load More
