The European Commission is reevaluating its probes into tech giants. Apple, Meta, and Google are among tech giants that have urged US President-elect Trump to challenge European Union's regulatory scrutiny against them.
WhatsApp may soon allow you to reserve usernames, as per a feature tracker. The feature is currently said to be in development for its Android app and is not yet available to beta testers. Since features are gradually rolled out, reserving usernames will help users pick out their preferred usernames and reduce the risk of them being taken by others. This feature is said to be a step towards the introduction of usernames on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp has announced several new features for its app. Users can now share Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android via the app, complete with sound. Further, Meta AI can be used to generate chat themes. Similarly, background for video calls can be created using text prompts. WhatsApp has introduced new sticker packs, support for document scanning on Android, and an easier group search function.
Instagram is testing a Reels-first layout in its mobile apps in India, the company confirmed Monday. A small group of users will see the app open directly to the Reels tab, with Stories placed on top. The design, similar to Instagram’s new iPad app, highlights Reels’ growing popularity and simplifies access to favourite features.
A Threads feature is reportedly in development that would let users control their own algorithm, linked to similar tools coming to Instagram. Instagram is said to have confirmed that the tool remains an internal prototype with no testing or release date yet. Screenshots suggest users could tag a dedicated account to indicate content they want to see more or less of. The feature resembles Elon Musk’s plan for X, letting users tag Grok to adjust their feed in real time.
WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature for its Android app. As per a feature tracker, it may soon allow users to select who can reshare their status updates. The option is turned off by default and has to be enabled by the original author. This feature is reportedly only available to beta testers currently, who are registered via the Google Play Beta programme.
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called Message Translations. As the name suggests, it aims to facilitate communication between users around the world by translating messages in real time. It supports six languages on Android and more than 19 on iOS. As per WhatsApp, Message Translations feature works in individual chats, group conversations, as well channel updates.
Facebook Dating is introducing two new features to improve users’ matchmaking experience. The Meta-owned service, launched in 2019 within the Facebook app, will now include an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that suggests tailored profiles based on user prompts. In addition, a new blind date-style feature, Meet Cute, has been added to help users connect in a more spontaneous way.
WhatsApp is testing a new feature which lets users mute 'everyone' mentions in group chats, as per a feature tracker. The in-development option is said to be available below the mute toggle in the notifications settings on WhatsApp for Android. It is currently under development and is not available even to beta testers who are registered via the Google Play Beta programme.
WhatsApp has rolled out a new update of its app for iOS, adding a feature that lets users schedule notification reminders for messages. This helps highlight important information and tasks in chats, preventing them from getting lost in active conversations. Currently, the feature is available to select iOS users and is expected to expand in the coming weeks, according to a WhatsApp tracker. Meta recently tested a similar reminder feature for Android users.
OpenAI on Tuesday announced new safety measures for children and teenagers using ChatGPT, while confirming a different approach for adults. The company said users over 18 will be treated “like adults,” meaning the chatbot may provide sensitive information, such as on self-harm, if framed as educational. OpenAI also teased a privilege system restricting employee access to adult conversations.
WhatsApp for Android is testing a threaded replies feature to improve group chat organisation, according to a feature tracker. The tool opens a separate window showing all replies to a single message. Currently limited to select beta testers, the feature may expand soon. Notably, the threaded icon appears only when a message gets multiple replies.
Meta said Instagram Reels has become India’s top short-video viewing platform on Thursday, citing results from a user survey conducted to mark the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Reels tab in the country. The company claimed Indian users prefer Reels over rivals and that short-video consumption now surpasses traditional TV and OTT platforms in viewing frequency.
YouTube has begun rolling out multi-language audio, a creator-focused feature tested over the past two years. The tool allows creators to add dubbed versions of their videos in multiple languages without separate uploads or channels. Available globally, the feature requires manual audio track uploads, as YouTube does not automatically generate dubbed versions.
Facebook is making it easier to use the Poke feature. The quirky tool, which used to be a sensation in the 2010s, had lost popularity among users towards the end of the last decade. However, in 2025, the Meta-owned platform is planning to bring it back by adding a dedicated Poke button to users’ profile screens.
On Wednesday, Instagram launched its official app for iPad, ending a 15-year drought. The Meta-owned platform redesigned the app layout to bring Reels to the Home tab, highlighting that users prefer to watch video content on bigger screens. The app is now available to download on the App Store for iPadOS.
WhatsApp is now letting users generate backgrounds during video calls via artificial intelligence (AI). The Meta-owned platform is adding a new feature that lets users type a prompt to generate their desired background for a video call. The company highlighted that the feature is powered by Meta AI. This is how you can use it.
WhatsApp is developing a new way for you to create and save stickers in your collection. Currently, users are required to send a sticker in an active chat in order to save it. However, the Meta-owned app is working on a new feature which lets you directly add a sticker as favourite or save it in a collection, offering a quicker sticker management avenue.
WhatsApp has fixed a zero-click security vulnerability, which could have been used to carry out sophisticated attacks against targeted individuals, the company said. The flaw affected the Meta-owned messenger app’s iOS and macOS versions, and could “trigger processing of content from an arbitrary URL on a target's device.”
Meta has reportedly created numerous artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in the name and likeness of popular celebrities without their consent across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. As per the report, the Menlo Park-based tech giant’s celebrity-mimicking chatbots were also spotted sending flirtatious and suggestive messages to users, and even sending lewd images generated using AI.
WhatsApp on Wednesday announced a new feature that leverages AI to rewrite text for different tones and clarity. As per the Meta-owned instant messaging platform, users can draft a basic text, and the AI-powered writing assistant will provide suggestions for improvement, including different tones and styles. WhatsApp said that its new Writing Help is built on top of Private Processing technology, and the chats or responses will not be read by anyone other than the user.
WhatsApp for Mac got a new update via the App Store. The latest update with version 25.22.79 reportedly introduces a chat filtering feature with Unread, Favourites and Group options. This is available to a limited group of users. The messaging service is is making it easier to see unread, favourite, and group chats on your Mac computer.
TikTok on Friday denied circulating reports that it had been unbanned in India. The app was first banned by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in June 2020, due to concerns regarding national security and data privacy. The rumours of a possible comeback surfaced on Friday, after the official website of the Chinese social media platform became accessible for a brief period to some users.
WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to leave a voice message when a call isn't answered. The upcoming feature is currently available for some beta testers. It has been spotted in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.25.23.21, which is available via the Google Play Beta programme.
Russia, through its media and internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has reportedly imposed a partial restriction on voice calls made via two instant messaging apps, WhatsApp and Telegram. The regulator said that it took this step to better fight crime. Moreover, the regulator said that several law enforcement agencies and citizens appealed that the two instant messaging services had become the primary calling service for deception and extortion.
WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a Writing Help assistant feature powered by AI Private Processing for select beta users. The new functionality will allow users to enhance their messages using AI-powered assistance. It was reportedly spotted on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.23.7 update.
LinkedIn launched a new game, Mini Sudoku, on its professional social networking platform on Tuesday. The game, which is a modern take on the classic puzzle, is available to all users. It also marks the sixth entry in the platform’s gaming catalogue, a new service which started in May 2024.
WhatsApp for Android is said to be testing a new feature for users that will allow them to send motion photos. As per the feature tracker, the new feature was spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp and might be available to some beta testers. With this, users can send motion photos, which capture the audio and movement before and after a shot is taken.
YouTube is now preparing to roll out its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) age estimation tool. Announced in July, this tool uses several user activity metrics to determine the real age of the user. The streaming giant says this feature will better protect minors who have provided fake dates of birth while making their accounts.
Grok Imagine was officially released on Sunday as a multimodal feature that can generate images and videos. It is currently available in beta to all SuperGrok and Premium+ X subscribers on the iOS app. The feature also comes with a Spicy mode which can generate not-safe-for-work (NSFW) content of explicit nature.
WhatsApp is rolling out a new scam prevention tool, it announced on Tuesday. This feature, dubbed Safety Overview, works when someone who is not saved in your contacts adds you to a WhatsApp group. The Meta-owned messaging app will provide key information about the group, along with tips to stay safe from phishing and scams. As part of its ongoing efforts to protect its users from scams, it detected and banned more than 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centres.
Instagram on Tuesday announced a new set of features to help creators keep a track of their audience growth metrics more effectively. The Meta-owned social media platform is rolling out insights for likes on photo carousels and Reels, showcasing the exact moment and the slide when others decided to like the post. Meanwhile, post-level demographics can help creators understand what type of content is resonating with their audience.
WhatsApp for Android might be developing a new feature that comes with several privacy benefits. Dubbed Username keys, there are two parts to this feature, a WhatsApp tracker revealed. The first part is the username itself, which is said to replace the need to share one’s number when sharing their WhatsApp account. The second is Username keys, which allow users to manage whether a first-time texter can contact the user or not.
WhatsApp banned over 98 lakh accounts in India in June to tackle abuse, with nearly 19.79 lakh removed proactively before any user complaints. The platform also received 23,596 user grievances and acted on 1,001 accounts, including bans and reinstatements. Most complaints were ban appeals, according to the company. Other concerns included account support, product issues, and safety. The Meta-owned platform stressed prevention and the use of abuse detection during account setup, messaging, and in response to negative user feedback.
Jack Dorsey has launched Bitchat Mesh, a new Bluetooth-based messaging app for iPhone. He previously unveiled Bitchat as a peer-to-peer (P2P) app, a weekend project designed to function without phone numbers, email, or access to the internet. Bitchat Mesh supports both end-to-end encryption and identity verification. An Android release date for the Play Store is expected to follow in the future.
WhatsApp is said to be developing a new feature for its Android app which aims to improve photography in low light conditions. As per a feature tracker’s report, a dedicated night mode option is present in the camera interface of a beta version of the instant messaging app. It reportedly optimises the image clarity and brightness when shooting in low-lit environments, without applying any overlays or stylisation to the image.
WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature for its Android app which makes it easier to import profile photos from other existing social media accounts. According to a discovery by a feature tracker, the instant messaging client may bring support for directly importing profile pictures from other apps under Meta Platforms’ umbrella, such as Facebook and Instagram. This builds upon other cross-platform features such as single sign-on and unified avatar management.
Elon Musk made the announcement in a post on X, formerly Twitter, but did not provide further details. X did not immediately respond to a Reuters request seeking more information on the reboot.
WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature for Android users that will allow them to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI. As per a feature tracker, the new artificial intelligence (AI) feature is now rolling out to select beta testers, and allows users to either directly initiate voice chat or switch to it while within the chatbot’s interface.
CloudSEK, a cybersecurity firm, announced that it has unmasked a syndicate involved in printing and selling counterfeit Indian currency. As per the firm, the group was marketing the fake notes via social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and even used authentic marketing channels such as Meta ads. As per the report shared by the company, the group spread Rs. 17.5 crore worth of fake currency in just the last six months.
Meta announced a couple of new safety features for teen accounts on Instagram on Wednesday. The Menlo Park-based social media giant said it is expanding its Teen Account protection and safety features to offer more tools to teenagers while they exchange messages with other users via the platform’s direct messaging (DM) feature.
WhatsApp is developing a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered feature for its Android app which aims to make it easier to catch up with unread messages. As per claims by a feature tracker, it is currently testing the Quick Recap feature, enabling users to select a specific number of chats and get a summary of the most relevant unread messages in each one of them, presented in a detailed manner.
Meta announced the introduction of the Imagine Me feature in India on Thursday. The artificial intelligence (AI) feature has been available in the US and a select few countries so far. But with its expansion in the country, Indian users will be able to generate AI images of themselves in different styles, contexts, and scenarios. The feature is available within the Meta AI interface across all the different platforms.
Beeper has been updated with support for on-device connections to WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Instagram, and Google Chat, ensuring end-to-end encryption (E2EE) without relying on Beeper Cloud. The app's core features remain free, but a new Beeper Plus subscription will unlock additional features and customisation options.
Meta AI reportedly had a vulnerability that could be exploited to access other users’ private conversations with the chatbot. As per the report, a researcher found the bug late last year and informed the Menlo Park-based social media giant about it. The company then deployed a fix to the issue in January, and rewarded the researcher for finding the exploit.
Facebook says it will crack down on unoriginal content. According to Meta, the reach of accounts that improperly reuse content will be lowered and access to monetisation tools will be limited. Original videos might also get more views, as the distribution of duplicate copies will be restricted. Meta's changes to its policy were announced after YouTube announced it was taking action against repetitive and mass-produced videos shared on the platform.
Yaccarino, 61, made the announcement in a post on X suggesting it was her decision, though Musk has a history of dismissing deputies suddenly. "I've decided to step down as CEO of X," Yaccarino wrote.
Grok 4 artificial intelligence (AI) model was released by xAI on Monday. The new AI model was introduced by xAI developers and company owner Elon Musk in a live stream on X (formerly known as Twitter). The company claimed that the new large language model (LLM) comes with a significantly improved reasoning ability and better performance across multiple subject areas.
Grok reportedly ran wild on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday, making racist and hateful comments on posts. As per the report, the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI began generating less neutral responses after it was updated on Friday. However, on Tuesday, the chatbot was said to post comments that were racially charged and discriminatory.
WhatsApp is rolling out an AI-powered feature that lets users generate custom chat wallpapers. After updating to the latest stable version of WhatsApp for iOS, users can create backgrounds with prompts and fine-tune them. WhatsApp will also make it easier to view replies to messages in the form of structured threads, in the future. Here's everything you need to know about how the feature works on WhatsApp for
Jack Dorsey on Monday announced a new decentralised messaging app called Bitchat. It is a peer-to-peer public domain messaging project which operates over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks. Bitchat is said to offer a more secure method of messaging, protected with end-to-end encryption. The app does not require internet, an account, or even a phone number to function, the X (formerly Twitter) co-founder said. Other features include a favourites system, mentions, and rooms for topic-based conversations.
