Report Wire

Tag: WhatsApp

  • Misinformation Spread Via Deepfakes Biggest Threat To Upcoming Polls In India: Tenable |

    New Delhi: Misinformation and disinformation spread through artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes and fake content are the biggest threats to the upcoming elections in India,” exposure management company Tenable said on Sunday.

    According to the company, these threats will be shared across social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others.

    “The biggest threats to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are misinformation and disinformation as part of influence operations conducted by malicious actors against the electorate,” said Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer at Tenable, to IANS.

    A recent report by Tidal Cyber ​​highlighted that this year, 10 countries will face the highest levels of election cyber interference threats, including India.

    Recently, deepfake videos of former US President Bill Clinton and current President Joe Biden were fabricated and circulated to confuse citizens during the upcoming presidential elections. (Also Read: Woman Falls Victim To Investment Scam, Loses Jewelry And Over Rs 24 Lakh)

    Experts note that the proliferation of deepfake content surged in late 2017, with over 7,900 videos online. By early 2019, this number nearly doubled to 14,678, and the trend continues to escalate.

    “With the increase in generative AI tools and their use growing worldwide, we may see deepfakes, be it in images or video content, impersonating notable candidates seeking to retain their seats or those hoping to unseat incumbents in parliament,” Narang added.

    The Indian government has recently issued directives to social media platforms such as X and Meta (formerly Facebook), urging them to regulate the proliferation of AI-generated deepfake content.

    Additionally, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has issued an advisory to these platforms to remove AI-generated deepfakes from their platforms. (Also Read: WhatsApp Allows To Pin Multiple Messages In Chat; Here's How to Pin Messages on Android, iOS, And Desktop)

    Tenable suggests that the easiest way to identify a deepfake image is to look for nonsensical text or language that looks almost alien-like in language.

  • WhatsApp’s New Feature Lets You Share Polls In Channels On iPhone Version |

    New Delhi: WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is reportedly introducing a new feature to some beta testers on iOS (iPhone Operating System), allowing users to share polls within channels. As evidenced in a shared screenshot by WABetaInfo, some beta testers can now explore a new poll option directly within their channels.

    To check if this feature is active for their account or not, channel owners can check by accessing the chat attachment menu within their channel.

    According to the report, this feature emphasizes the security and confidentiality of polls, ensuring that the choices made by channel followers remain protected and anonymous throughout the polling process. Participants will only be allowed to see the total number of votes, without access to information about individual contributors. (Also Read: List Of 5 Best Mobile Phones Under Rs 20000 in India)

    A post written by WhatsApp on Instagram suggests, “You can now turn your photos into stickers or edit existing stickers. In other news, you’ll likely have to show the entire group chat how you did it. Rolling out now on iOS.”

    Furthermore, you can customize stickers with text, drawings, and the ability to overlay other stickers with WhatsApp’s editing tools. When you send a custom sticker, it automatically saves in your sticker tray so you can reuse it whenever you want. (Also Read: Surprised! iPhone 15 Can Be Charged 9 Times With This Smartphone)

    “While creating a poll, channel owners can also restrict it to a single choice by disabling the multiple answers option, providing a flexible voting experience for channel followers,” the report said.”

    Notably, the feature has already begun to be rolled out to WhatsApp beta users on both iOS and Android. However, a stable build containing the feature for all users may be released soon.

  • WhatsApp ‘Secret Code’ Feature: How To Protect Your Sensitive Chats To Be Read By Others |

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  • WhatsApp head Will Cathcart denies experiences of chat app exploring advertisements to spice up income

    Will Cathcart, the top of WhatsApp, refuted the media experiences on Friday suggesting that the Meta-owned immediate messaging platform is contemplating various strategies to extend income via the introduction of ads.

    Previously, a FT report recommended that Meta owned WhatsApp is contemplating including advertisements to its chat app because the father or mother firm is in search of methods to extend income.

    However, Cathcart took it to X and introduced the claims of WhatsApp exploring advertisements to its chat app being false. In his newest put up, attaching the FT story, he stated, “This @FT story is fake. We aren’t doing this. Also it appears to be like such as you misspelled Brian’s title…”

    FT earlier reported that groups at Meta have been discussing whether or not to point out advertisements in lists of conversations with contacts on the WhatsApp chat display screen, however no closing choices have been made, as per sources near the event knowledgeable the publication..

    The report additionally said that Meta was additionally contemplating including a subscription payment to make use of the app ad-free however many firm insiders voiced in opposition to it. However, all such claims have been denied by WhatsApp.

    Moreover, as per Reuters, WhatsApp said the FT, “We can’t account for every conversation someone had in our company but we are not testing this, working on it, and it’s not our plan at all.”

    Meanwhile, WhatsApp has lately introduced the launch of its WhatsApp Channels characteristic in India. The Meta owned firm will roll out the brand new characteristic to over 150 nations that may carry personal updates from organizations, sports activities groups, artists, and thought leaders that customers can comply with.

    According to the corporate, WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast device throughout the app.

    Here are key options of WhatsApp Channels:

    Enhanced Directory: It helps customers to search out channels that are already filtered as per their nation. Moreover, they will additionally view channels that are in style, most lively and new.

    Reactions: Users can react with emojis to supply suggestions and witness a rely of general reactions. However, the emoji reacted by you’ll not be seen to followers.

    Forwarding: Everytime you ahead an replace to chats or teams, this can embody a hyperlink sourcing channel for folks to know concerning the channel particulars and comply with you.

    It is noteworthy that WhatsApp Channels is within the technique of being launched, however it isn’t accessible to everybody in the intervening time. For these with entry, the Meta owned platform is introducing new functionalities. Certain options, equivalent to channel creation, will not be accessible to some customers presently.

     

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    Updated: 15 Sep 2023, 11:04 AM IST

  • WhatsApp debuts broadcast software Channels, prime celebs be a part of

    New Delhi: Meta Platforms-owned immediate messaging service WhatsApp has introduced the launch of WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 international locations that may ship personal updates from organizations, sports activities groups, artists, and thought leaders that folks can observe. WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast software inside the app, the corporate stated in a press release.

    “Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a brand new personal means so that you can get updates from individuals and organizations you observe. I’m beginning this channel to share Meta information and updates. Looking ahead to connecting with you all all over the world,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated in a Facebook put up. Channels might be discovered within the new ‘Updates’ tab, he added.

    With channels, WhatsApp’s objective is to construct probably the most personal broadcast service obtainable, the corporate assertion stated. Channels are separate from chats, and who you select to observe isn’t seen to different followers.

    “We additionally defend the non-public data of each admins and followers,” the assertion stated.

    As channels develop globally, the platform will roll out an enhanced listing the place customers discover channels to observe which might be robotically filtered based mostly on their nation. They may view channels which might be new, most lively, and standard based mostly on variety of followers. Users will be capable of react utilizing emojis to provide suggestions and see a rely of complete reactions and reactions is not going to be proven to followers.

    Admins will be capable of make modifications to their Updates for as much as 30 days, when they’re robotically deleted from servers. Forwarding an Update to chats or teams will embody a hyperlink again to the channel so individuals can discover out extra.

    As WhatsApp Channels roll out globally over the following few weeks, extra options will probably be added based mostly on suggestions from customers. Over the approaching months, it is going to be doable for anybody to create a channel.

    The Indian cricket workforce and celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, Vijay Deverakonda, Neha Kakkar and others have launched their WhatsApp Channels.

    “The Indian Cricket workforce is thrilled to associate with WhatsApp on the launch of channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is ready to start in October. We will leverage channels to generate pleasure and help as India will get able to host the marquee occasion after a decade-long wait. With WhatsApp Channels, followers will pay attention to necessary and correct data and information round match schedules, timings, scorecards and so forth,” BCCI (the Board of Control for Cricket in India) stated in a press release.

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    Updated: 13 Sep 2023, 10:46 PM IST

  • WhatsApp Channels now accessible in India

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday introduced to launch WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 nations.

    WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast device and ship a personal approach to obtain updates from folks and organisations that matter to customers, inside WhatsApp.

    “Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organisations you follow. I’m starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. Looking forward to connecting with you all around the world,” Zuckerberg added.

    Channels may be present in a brand new tab known as Updates, the place “you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow”.

    WhatsApp Channels are rolling out globally over the following few weeks and the corporate will proceed so as to add extra options and develop Channels primarily based on suggestions.

    “Over the coming months, we’ll also make it possible for anyone to create a channel,” stated the social community.

    “The Indian Cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait,” stated the BCCI, after launching the official Indian cricket staff WhatsApp Channel.

    “WhatsApp Channels is something I’m personally excited about because now I have a place where I can share important updates about my life and express myself using all the things I love on WhatsApp, like videos, photos or polls,” stated music sensation Diljit Dosanjh.

    Channels are separate from chats, and who you select to comply with is just not seen to different followers.

    NEW DELHI: Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday introduced to launch WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 nations.

    WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast device and ship a personal approach to obtain updates from folks and organisations that matter to customers, inside WhatsApp.

    “Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organisations you follow. I’m starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. Looking forward to connecting with you all around the world,” Zuckerberg added.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    Channels may be present in a brand new tab known as Updates, the place “you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow”.

    WhatsApp Channels are rolling out globally over the following few weeks and the corporate will proceed so as to add extra options and develop Channels primarily based on suggestions.

    “Over the coming months, we’ll also make it possible for anyone to create a channel,” stated the social community.

    “The Indian Cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait,” stated the BCCI, after launching the official Indian cricket staff WhatsApp Channel.

    “WhatsApp Channels is something I’m personally excited about because now I have a place where I can share important updates about my life and express myself using all the things I love on WhatsApp, like videos, photos or polls,” stated music sensation Diljit Dosanjh.

    Channels are separate from chats, and who you select to comply with is just not seen to different followers.

  • WhatsApp shows progressive 3D anamorphic set up at Gateway of India

    WhatsApp has reportedly unveiled its most up-to-date privateness initiative with an interactive 3D anamorphic exhibit positioned on the Gateway of India in Mumbai. This distinctive exhibit demonstrates WhatsApp’s privateness measures and controls in a visually enthralling method.

    As per Business Today, this set up represents the debut software of 3D anamorphism on the Gateway of India. It converts this famend landmark right into a digital marvel, successfully illustrating how WhatsApp’s privateness options work collectively to create a protected area for personal messaging. 

    Achieved via artistic storytelling and the mixing of domestically important symbols of Mumbai – like the long-lasting kaali-peeli taxi, the purple submit field, the traditional avenue lamps, and the symbolic pigeons of the Gateway of India – the set up unites these parts, reported the publication.

    As per the media experiences, incorporating parts akin to end-to-end encryption, two-step verification, silence unknown callers, and disappearing messages, the exhibit tells the story of a WhatsApp message’s journey between sender and recipient, unaffected by any middleman disruptions.

    The Gateway of India exhibit is a vital part of WhatsApp’s world privateness initiative, initially unveiled in June, provides the report. This effort has materialized throughout a number of platforms – social media, digital interfaces, broadcasting channels, print publications, and billboards – all through India. 

    Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President, Meta India, mentioned, “Privacy is on the core of every little thing we do at WhatsApp and we’re excited to see the subsequent section of our privateness marketing campaign gentle up the Gateway of India and lift consumer consciousness round WhatsApp’s privateness options and a number of layers of safety. The eye-catching, one-of-a-kind anamorphic privateness installations would be the first time the landmark will witness such immersive storytelling in true Mumbai type and reinforce WhatsApp’s continued dedication to launch privateness options that strengthen our current layers of safety, giving folks full management over the extent of privateness they want whereas messaging their associates and family members.”

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    Updated: 23 Aug 2023, 01:54 PM IST

  • Tech Recap: Removal of block function on X, Jio brings two new pay as you go plans with Netflix and extra

    This week, the world of know-how witnessed some main occasions. Interestingly, Elon Musk introduced the removing of block options on X. Whatsapp launched a brand new function the place customers can now ship HD photos and extra. Here is a recap for you:

    Elon Musk broadcasts removing of block function on X

    Elon Musk, proprietor of the social media platform X (previously Twitter), has introduced the removing of the block function, apart from direct messages. Users will nonetheless have the choice to mute others. Musk said that blocking made no sense. Muting prevents customers from seeing posts by a muted account however permits for interactions. This resolution has raised issues about potential on-line harassment. Musk, who acquired X in a $44 billion deal, has been implementing numerous modifications, together with layoffs, introducing Twitter Blue subscription, renaming the platform, and including new options, as a part of his imaginative and prescient for “Twitter 2.0.”

    Apple iPhone 15 collection could supply as much as 35watt charging pace

    The upcoming Apple iPhone 15 collection is predicted to deal with charging pace issues, with reviews suggesting enhancements of as much as 35W. It stays unsure if this enhancement will likely be unique to the Pro fashions or apply to all. The collection can be rumored to undertake USB Type-C ports resulting from EU rules, marking a big change. Additionally, the USB Type-C port may function Thunderbolt assist, enabling exceptionally quick information switch speeds. These improvements align with Apple’s historic sample of introducing new options first on Pro fashions earlier than extending them to others.

    Google to delete accounts if it has been inactive for these variety of days

    Starting from December 1, 2023, Google plans to delete inactive accounts that have not been used for 2 years throughout its services. Users are suggested to register no less than as soon as each two years to keep up their account’s energetic standing. Google will ship reminder emails earlier than taking any motion, however as soon as an account is deleted, it can’t be recovered, and the related Gmail account can be completely misplaced, stopping the creation of a brand new Google account.

    Jio provides two new plans with Netflix subscription

    Reliance Jio has unveiled two new pay as you go plans, ₹1,099 and ₹1,499, each providing Netflix subscriptions. The ₹1,099 plan offers limitless 5G information with a Welcome Offer, limitless voice, and 2GB information every day for 84 days. The ₹1,499 plan consists of Netflix (Basic) for big screens, limitless 5G information with the Welcome Offer, 3GB/day information, and limitless voice calling for 84 days. This marks the primary time Netflix subscriptions can be found with Jio pay as you go plans, benefitting over 400 million pay as you go clients.

    WhatsApp customers can now ship photos in HD

    WhatsApp is introducing an improve permitting customers to share higher-quality “HD” photos worldwide over the subsequent few weeks. Users can ship higher-resolution photos from Android, iOS, or the net, with a small icon indicating improved high quality. Recipients see an “HD” gear icon when receiving, and might select between customary and HD high quality. Slow connections enable recipients to maintain customary high quality. WhatsApp can be reportedly testing a function for Android beta testers, enabling customers so as to add a number of accounts to the app.

     

     

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    Updated: 20 Aug 2023, 03:49 PM IST

    Topics

  • WhatsApp customers can now ship photographs in HD

    WhatsApp is introducing an improve that permits customers to share higher-quality “HD” photographs on the messaging platform. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made this announcement by way of his Meta broadcast channel on Instagram, stating, “Sharing photos on WhatsApp just got an upgrade. Now you can send in HD.”

    The function is progressively rolling out worldwide over the upcoming weeks. 

    With the brand new function, WhatsApp customers will be capable to transmit higher-quality and higher-resolution photographs (though nonetheless doubtless compressed from their unique state) from Android, iOS, or the net. Recipients, no matter their platform, will observe a small icon signifying the improved picture high quality. Meta has additionally indicated that assist for HD movies is within the pipeline.

    Upon having access to the brand new function, customers will spot an “HD” gear icon when including a picture to a message thread. This addition was first famous in screenshots from beta variations shared by WABetaInfo. The publication highlighted that beta testers initially skilled the function on iOS model 23.11.0.76 and Android model 2.23.12.13.

    In the occasion shared by WABetaInfo, tapping the HD icon results in a “photo quality” menu. This menu provides two decision choices: commonplace high quality (1600 x 1052) and HD high quality (4096 x 2692). Meta hasn’t offered intensive particulars concerning the general compression stage of the pictures and the way they evaluate to photographs despatched over competing platforms like Apple’s iMessage. Importantly, the higher-quality photographs retain WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption requirements.

    In eventualities involving sluggish connections, recipients may have the selection to both retain the usual high quality model or improve to HD. The default for senders will stay commonplace high quality, serving to to keep away from instant storage considerations from an inflow of photographs in group chats.

    In a associated information, WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a brand new function to its Android beta testers. As reported by WaBetaInfo, the function permits WhatsApp customers so as to add a number of accounts to the favored messaging app.

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    Updated: 18 Aug 2023, 04:59 PM IST

  • WhatsApp introduces beta replace with AI-generated stickers: Report

    The beta model of WhatsApp is at the moment introducing an progressive replace that includes AI-generated stickers. Currently present process beta testing, this function is accessible to a restricted variety of customers to evaluate its performance and establish potential points. This addition permits customers to provide stickers utilizing text-based descriptions. The potential of AI-generated stickers to revolutionize the app is critical, because it offers customers with the aptitude to craft unique, personalised stickers. 

    As per a report from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is within the technique of releasing a contemporary beta replace that introduces the performance to make the most of and produce AI-generated stickers. The report displayed a screenshot illustrating the process for producing an AI sticker. 

    Notably, a definite “create” button was seen throughout the sticker tab. Users will probably be prompted to enter an outline for the sticker they intend to create. Following this, WhatsApp will current a spread of AI-generated stickers primarily based on the offered description, enabling the consumer to decide on their most popular sticker for sharing.

    According to a report by Android Police, the precise generative AI mannequin employed for this new function has not been revealed by the corporate. The report additional talked about that Meta is using safe expertise to help the AI sticker performance, though the precise expertise in use was not specified. Another report from The Verge highlighted that the functioning of the function will resemble that of fashions like Midjoureny or OpenAI’s DALL-E, the place customers can vogue personalised photographs.

    Moreover, the appliance may even present notifications if probably dangerous or inappropriate AI-generated stickers are being generated. Nonetheless, the precise measures to be taken in response weren’t detailed. WABetaInfo’s report additionally signifies that customers can have the aptitude to discern whether or not a sticker has been produced utilizing Meta’s AI expertise, as this will probably be indicated by a watermark current on the sticker.

     

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    Updated: 16 Aug 2023, 02:21 PM IST