Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the removal of fact-checkers across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, replacing them with a community-driven moderation system similar to Elon Musk’s X. Zuckerberg cited political bias in the fact-checking system as the primary reason for the change. Meta will implement a "community notes" approach, allowing users to offer context on contentious posts. Musk expressed his approval, calling the move “cool.” The shift aims to boost trust and free speech while focusing on high-severity issues like terrorism and child exploitation. The change will begin in the U.S. before expanding globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on January 6, 2025, to discuss technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI). They talked about Microsoft's plans to expand in India and its commitment to an AI-first future. Nadella praised India’s progress in digital transformation, mentioning the government's 'Digital India' initiative. PM Modi expressed support for Microsoft's growth in the country, emphasizing the importance of AI in shaping India's future. This meeting follows Nadella's previous visit to India in 2023, where he highlighted the potential for inclusive growth through digital technology.

The Centre’s draft rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2025 mandate parental consent for children’s social media accounts. Released on January 3, the rules ensure verifiable parental consent before processing children’s personal data. The draft highlights scenarios for verifying identity and age, emphasizing technical diligence by data fiduciaries. Public feedback is invited until February 18, 2025. Officials state this step aims to enhance privacy and safety for minors online. The act, passed in 2023, reinforces accountability among platforms handling children’s data, ensuring parents actively oversee their child's online presence.

Meta’s platforms – WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook – faced a global outage on Wednesday night. Users reported issues like failed logins, crashed apps, and inability to upload or view posts. The problems began around 10:58 PM, with over 100,000 reports on Facebook and 70,000 on Instagram tracked by Down Detector. WhatsApp users struggled to send and receive messages. Meta acknowledged the issue on social media platform X, promising quick fixes and apologizing for the inconvenience. The outage comes months after a similar disruption in March. Many users turned to X to share their frustrations and memes about the incident.

ChatGPT and OpenAI's API services faced a major outage, causing global disruptions. The issue started around 7 PM ET, leaving users unable to log in or use services. Many businesses relying on OpenAI’s API also reported problems. OpenAI acknowledged the issue on X, stating they had identified the problem and were working on a fix. Users expressed frustration online, citing slow logins and errors. Down Detector recorded a sharp rise in complaints. OpenAI promised to update users but has not shared when services will be fully restored.

A Chinese hacking group, Salt Typhoon, targeted at least 8 major US telecom firms, including AT&T and Verizon, in one of the largest intelligence breaches in US history. Hackers accessed call records, live calls, and communication tracking systems, affecting numerous Americans, including high-profile figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. US officials urged encrypted apps to mitigate risks but confirmed no classified data was compromised. China's embassy denied the allegations, accusing the US of cyberattacks. The White House prioritizes addressing the breach, with cybersecurity experts warning of prolonged impacts.

Indian police are seeking details from Elon Musk's Starlink after finding its device on a seized Myanmar boat carrying $4.25 billion worth of methamphetamine. The Indian Coast Guard intercepted the boat near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, arresting six Myanmar nationals. Police say the smugglers used Starlink's satellite internet to navigate and create Wi-Fi hotspots, bypassing legal networks. Starlink, which promises fast broadband globally, does not yet have permission to operate in India. Authorities have asked for information on the device's buyer and usage history. Investigations are ongoing to uncover any links to local or international drug syndicates.

Jaguar has revealed its Type 00 electric car concept at Miami Art Week, signaling the brand's all-electric future. The five-meter-long vehicle combines Rolls-Royce luxury with Tesla Cybertruck-inspired design. It features plush interiors with brass bars, a seat divider, and an oval steering wheel. Strikingly, rear windows and the windshield are replaced by cameras. Available in Miami Pink and London Blue, the car boasts a 430-mile range, with fast charging adding 200 miles in 15 minutes. While not for sale, Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern calls the design a bold step in Jaguar’s evolving vision for electric vehicles.

India’s Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has blocked over 1,700 Skype IDs and 59,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to digital fraud. The government has also disabled over 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1.32 lakh IMEIs involved in scams. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar highlighted that the 'Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System,' launched in 2021, has helped save ₹3,431 crore from fraudsters. Measures include blocking spoofed international calls and creating a suspect registry for cyber criminals. I4C collaborates with banks, telecom firms, and police to act quickly on complaints, ensuring better coordination to tackle cyber fraud.

India Today’s investigation reveals shocking accounts of Indians trapped in cyber slavery in the infamous "Golden Triangle" (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos). Victims, including engineering graduate Pradeep Kushawaha, electrician hopeful Nandan Sah, and tech professional Rohit Sharma, were lured by fake job offers. Kidnapped at gunpoint, they endured brutal torture, forced cyber scams, and ransom demands. Over 30,000 Indians remain unaccounted for in the region since 2022. Survivors recounted severe beatings, electric shocks, and inhumane conditions. While some escaped through diplomatic efforts, many remain trapped in syndicates run by Chinese operatives exploiting vulnerable workers globally.