Tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity AI are offering free or low-cost AI tools to millions of Indians. OpenAI has launched one year of free access to its “Go” chatbot, while Google and Perplexity have partnered with Jio and Airtel. Experts say this is a business move to attract India’s young online users and gather valuable data to improve AI systems. India’s 900 million internet users make it an ideal testing ground for global tech. However, experts warn of data privacy risks and call for stronger but balanced regulation as AI use grows. (PC: BBC)

Reddit experienced a massive global outage affecting thousands of users unable to access the app and website. DownDetector reports exceeded 20,000 complaints globally, with 60% from app users, 33% website issues, and 8% server connection problems. In India alone, 350 users reported login difficulties, with 49% website complaints, 44% app issues, and 7% server problems. This marks Reddit's second major disruption in two weeks following 4,800 complaints on October 20. The outage coincides with another Amazon Web Services (AWS) failure affecting multiple cloud regions, primarily US-East-1 (69%), US-West-2 (18%), and US-West-1 (13%). Users reported slow loading, errors, and failed connections. Developers confirm AWS-dependent applications face significant resistance.(PC: Al Jazeera)

America is deploying artificial intelligence to combat maritime drug trafficking, conducting 16 airstrikes on drug vessels since September, killing 64 suspected smugglers. Windward's maritime AI models, including "Early Detection" and "Smuggling Risk," identify high-risk vessels from thousands entering US waters. On August 11, AI narrowed 5,488 vessels to just 98 suspicious ones. MQ-9 Reaper drones, equipped with AI-assisted target tracking systems, execute strikes carrying cocaine and fentanyl shipments. The first strike on September 1 targeted a Venezuelan vessel linked to Tren de Aragua criminal organization. US Coast Guard's Force Design 2028 plans expanded AI integration for enhanced surveillance, decision-making, and workforce management, creating robust sensor networks processing real-time maritime data.

Amazon confirmed cutting 14,000 corporate jobs globally, citing the need to organize "more leanly" for AI opportunities. Senior VP Beth Galetti told staff the restructuring would strengthen the company by reallocating resources toward "biggest bets" and customer needs. She called AI "the most transformative technology since the Internet," enabling unprecedented innovation speed. Earlier reports suggested 30,000 layoffs. The cuts affect corporate workers like executives, managers, and sales roles among Amazon's 350,000 corporate employees and 1.5 million total workforce. CEO Andy Jassy warned in June that AI adoption would reduce jobs as machines handle routine tasks. Affected employees receive transition support, severance pay, and internal job placement assistance. UK impact remains unclear. (PC: BBC) 

On October 22, 2025, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology proposed new regulations requiring artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms to clearly label AI-generated content. The draft rules mandate that visual media be marked with a label covering at least 10% of the display area, and audio content should have a marker during the first 10% of playback. Platforms must also obtain user declarations on whether uploaded content is AI-generated and implement technical measures to ensure compliance. The government emphasized the need for metadata traceability and transparency to combat the spread of deepfakes and misinformation, which pose risks to public trust and electoral integrity. The public and industry stakeholders have until November 6 to submit feedback on the proposal. (PC: Reuters)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) faced a major outage that disrupted over 1,000 companies and millions of users worldwide. Popular apps like Snapchat, Reddit, and games like Fortnite went offline. Banks such as Lloyds and Halifax were also affected. The problem was caused by a DNS error — a system that helps connect users to websites. The issue began in AWS’s main data centre in North Virginia. Experts say the outage shows the risks of relying too much on one cloud provider. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud together handle most of the world’s online services. (PC: BBC)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended allowing adult content in ChatGPT, declaring his company isn't the "elected moral police of the world." He announced verified adult users will access "erotica" in upcoming updates while prioritizing safety over privacy for teenagers. Altman emphasized treating adult users like adults, comparing policies to R-rated movie boundaries. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation criticized the move, warning about mental health harms from synthetic intimacy without credible safeguards. Executive Director Haley McNamara cited documented risks including simulated child abuse themes and sexually violent content. Altman maintained OpenAI won't allow content harming others and will protect users experiencing mental health crises, emphasizing user freedom as central to their mission.

OpenAI plans to let adult users access erotica on ChatGPT. CEO Sam Altman said the change will treat adults like adults. Age verification will be required. He added that earlier restrictions were needed to protect mental health, but now the company has new tools to reduce risks. The update is expected in December. The move comes after a US teen’s parents sued OpenAI over his suicide, raising safety concerns. Critics warn it may expose children to adult content. OpenAI says it will fully roll out age-gating to keep minors safe while offering more content to verified adults. (PC: BBC)

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised India's homegrown navigation app Mappls after personally testing it during a car journey. Developed by MapmyIndia in partnership with ISRO under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Mappls offers a privacy-focused alternative to Google Maps and Apple Maps. The minister highlighted its 3D junction views for overpasses and underpasses, voice-guided navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Key features include doorstep navigation, driving alerts for speed limits and accident zones, CCTV spot indicators, and a trip cost calculator for toll charges. Available in nine Indian languages including Hindi, Kannada, and Punjabi, the free app supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Instagram and Facebook Reels will now support AI-powered translations in Hindi and Portuguese. The feature allows creators to automatically dub their Reels into multiple languages using Meta AI. Every translated video will be clearly marked with “Translated with Meta AI.” Zuckerberg said this update will help creators reach global audiences and “break language barriers.” The tool, which already supports English and Spanish, mimics the creator’s voice and tone for a natural sound. Users can also enable lip-syncing for smoother playback or choose to watch the original version of Reels.