Tech

India’s booming tech sector hit by crisis

Published

2 years ago

March 7, 2024

ticker NEWS

India’s tech industry, once hailed as a beacon of innovation and growth, is facing a significant setback as two of its leading startups, Byju’s and Paytm, grapple with regulatory scrutiny.

The past couple of years have been a reality check for India’s corporate governance practices, according to Karan Mohla, a general partner at venture capital firm B Capital Group. Paytm, once revered as a fintech success story, has been embroiled in controversy since March 2022 when the Reserve Bank of India ordered its banking unit to cease onboarding new customers due to regulatory concerns.

The central bank’s subsequent audit revealed persistent non-compliances and supervisory concerns, leading to restrictions on Paytm’s operations, including the suspension of accepting fresh deposits.

Moreover, the company is under investigation by the federal anti-fraud agency for potential violations of foreign exchange laws.

Amidst this turmoil, Paytm’s stock price has plummeted over 70% since its IPO in November 2021, prompting major investors like SoftBank and Ant Group to reduce their stakes.

Drastic fall

Byju’s, once valued at $22 billion, has also witnessed a drastic fall in its valuation to $1 billion amidst allegations of accounting irregularities and mismanagement.

The edtech giant, which attracted substantial investments during the pandemic, is under scrutiny following an inspection ordered by the Indian government into its financial practices.

The downfall of these tech giants reflects broader challenges in India’s startup ecosystem. While the country experienced a surge in startup registrations and funding during the pandemic, funding for Indian startups plummeted by 83% in 2023 from its peak in 2021.

Byju’s valuation plummeted by 95%, and Paytm’s valuation decreased to $3 billion, indicating a sharp decline from their previous highs.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

5 hours 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

1 day 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 days 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.