Tech

Indian Government takes on Twitter in battle of power

Published

5 years ago

April 27, 2021

ticker NEWS

As India mounts pressure on Twitter over the COVID pandemic, concerns are growing that social media platforms are becoming more powerful than governments.

Andrew Selepak, a social media professor at the University of Florida, says companies like Twitter are playing from their own rule book.

“They are applying their own rules [and] regulations to free speech regardless of local laws and regulations,” he told Ticker News Live.

India is removing critical posts about COVID from Twitter

India has asked Twitter to remove hundreds of tweets critical of its handling of the COVID pandemic.

I am sending a legal notice to Government of India over taking down my tweet. I challenge them to prove its illegality https://t.co/CDx9PU5NuD
— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) April 25, 2021

Around half of all new daily global COVID-19 cases came from India. The nation’s hospitals have run out of oxygen and hospitals are above capacity.

“The Indian Government has been very unhappy with certain accounts being able to spread misinformation or just say anything negative about the Government,” he added.

Twitter is pushing back

Meanwhile, it’s not the first time Twitter and India have clashed. The country also ordered the removal of over 1,000 accounts in February. New Delhi claimed the tweets spread misinformation amid protests over new agriculture reforms.

Twitter first refused to comply. The tech giant later buckled to pressure from the IT ministry by blocking access to the bulk of accounts.

“[Twitter] believes there is a right for people to engage in free speech. It is one of these things where you’ve got international companies that are more powerful than any one Government,” he said.

https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia/status/1386608572377694210

Misinformation is a growing issue

It comes on the back of growing concern over fake news. Professor Selepak says reliance on social media platforms for information is becoming an issue.

“It’s how people are getting their news these days. It’s how individuals are deciding social issues to political issues,” he said.

However, Selepak says the problem is that there is little oversight when it comes to the facts.

“Where that becomes a sticky situation is the fact that the information isn’t from reputable news sources. It’s the most significant place for people to learn about their politicians [and] issues,” he said.

Related Topics:antitrust bigtech covid19 india Twitter

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OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

2 weeks ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.