WhatsApp Username Rollout Paused In India Over Cyber Fraud Concerns India has asked Meta to pause the rollout of WhatsApp’s proposed username feature in the country, raising concerns over privacy, impersonation, and possible cyber-fraud risks. The government has reportedly sought a detailed explanation from Meta within three days and asked the company not to proceed with the feature until consultations are completed. What Is WhatsApp

How WhatsApp usernames change user identity sharing WhatsApp’s rollout of usernames introduces a new way for users to connect without directly sharing their mobile number. In India, where phone numbers are closely connected to UPI payments, Aadhaar verification, banking services, and multiple digital identity systems, this shift is especially significant. While phone numbers remain required for account creation and verification, they will no longer be the only way users identify or connect with each other on the platform. Privacy improvements and everyday impact The introduction of usernames helps reduce exposure of personal phone numbers in group chats, business communication, and online marketplaces. This can lower the chances of spam calls, unsolicited messages, and basic data harvesting. It also creates a separation between private identity and public interaction, which is increasingly important in large digital ecosystems like India’s. However, the actual privacy benefit will depend on how WhatsApp manages visibility settings and user discovery options. Cybersecurity concerns and impersonation risks At the same time, experts warn that usernames introduce new cybersecurity challenges. The biggest concern is impersonation, where attackers can create similar-looking usernames to deceive users. Unlike phone numbers, usernames can be copied or slightly modified, making fake accounts harder to detect at a glance. In India, where cyber fraud linked to messaging apps and digital payments is already rising, this increases the importance of careful identity verification. Safety features and implementation factors WhatsApp is expected to introduce additional protections such as a “username key” system, which restricts who can message a user even if they know the username. This could help reduce spam and unwanted contact. However, the overall effectiveness of the feature will depend on default settings, user awareness, and how strictly WhatsApp enforces anti-impersonation measures. The update represents a shift in digital identity handling, offering stronger privacy on one side while introducing new forms of security risk on the other.

Samsung Brings Galaxy Experiences To BTS World Tour ‘ARIRANG’ In London Samsung Electronics UK has announced a city-wide Galaxy experience programme for audiences attending BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ in London this June and July. The campaign will bring together concert activations, fan experiences, personalised keepsakes, and limited-edition rewards across major London locations. As the official partner of BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’, Samsung is

WhatsApp Username Feature: How To Reserve Your Name Without Sharing Phone Number WhatsApp is preparing a major privacy update that will allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. The Meta-owned messaging platform has started allowing users to reserve unique usernames before the feature is rolled out more widely later this year. Until now, WhatsApp conversations have largely depended on phone numbers. Anyone who had a user’s mobile number

Kunal Shah To Lead WhatsApp As Meta Bets Big On CRED CRED founder Kunal Shah is set to lead WhatsApp globally as Meta invests $900 million in CRED, triggering both growth expectations and fintech data concerns.   Kunal Shah To Lead WhatsApp As Meta Bets Big On CRED CRED founder Kunal Shah is set to become the global CEO of WhatsApp, marking a major leadership move involving an Indian en

SpaceX Starfall Capsule Launch Comes Amid $600 Billion IPO Selloff SpaceX is facing a defining week as it prepares to test its new Starfall re-entry capsule while investors question the company’s valuation after a sharp post-IPO market selloff. The Starfall mission is scheduled for launch on June 23 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Th

CM Naidu Invites Singapore Investors To Back Andhra Growth Plans Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has invited Singapore investors to partner with the state’s next phase of growth, highlighting opportunities in Amaravati development, startups, technology, manufacturing, and future industries. During his Singapore visit, Naidu reached out to startup founders, ve

Anthropic AI Model Restrictions Raise Global Access Concerns Anthropic has reportedly sent senior engineers to Washington after US restrictions affected access to its advanced Claude Mythos 5 and Claude Fable 5 AI models. The issue began after US officials raised concerns over the safety and possible misuse of the powerful AI systems. Reports said the restrictions were linked to national security concerns and export control rules, forcing Anthropic to li

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Bratislava for an important visit to Slovakia, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since its independence in 1993. The trip is part of his wider European tour and is expected to give fresh momentum to India’s relationship with Central Europe. During his stay in Bratislava, Modi is scheduled to meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. The tal

AirTrunk’s $30 Billion India Plan To Boost AI And Cloud Infrastructure AirTrunk’s massive India investment could give a major boost to AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure growth. Australian data centre company AirTrunk has announced a massive $30 billion investment plan for India, giving a major push to the country’s growing AI and cloud infrastructure sector. The company plans to develop around 5GW of new data centre capacity

Malaysia’s New Social Media Rule For Children Explained Malaysia’s new rule bars children under 16 from creating social media accounts, raising debate over child safety, privacy and age checks. Malaysia has introduced new online safety rules that stop children below 16 from registering fresh social media accounts. The rule came into effect on June 1, 2026, making Malaysia one of the latest countries to tighten teen access to platforms such as Faceboo

NVIDIA RTX Spark Brings AI Agents To Windows PCs NVIDIA RTX Spark aims to make Windows PCs smarter by running personal AI agents directly on laptops and compact desktops. NVIDIA has opened a new race in the AI PC market with RTX Spark, a superchip designed to power Windows laptops and small desktops built for personal AI agents. What Makes RTX Spark Different

Netrasemi A2000 AI Chip To Power Smart Devices In India   Netrasemi A2000 Chip Boosts India’s AI Push Kerala-based semiconductor startup Netrasemi has launched its first high-end 12nm AI chip, A2000, giving a fresh boost to India’s Make in India semiconductor mission. The chip has completed its initial silicon bring-up testing, a key stage where its functions are checked before commercial production. The company plans to begi

Microsoft and Uber review AI spending as token costs increase   AI Cost Pressure Grows In 2026 Artificial intelligence promised that it would help companies reduce expenses and improve productivity. But in 2026, many firms are facing a different challenge. AI tools are becoming costly to use at scale, while clear productivity gains are still difficult to measure. Microsoft has reportedly

Malta Becomes First Country To Offer Free ChatGPT Plus Through AI Training Programme Malta Announces Free ChatGPT Plus Access Malta has become the first country to launch a nationwide programme offering free ChatGPT Plus access for one year. The move comes after OpenAI signed a partnership with the Government of Malta to improve public understanding and practical use of artificial intelligen