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WhatsApp responds to Centre's notice on username feature; government reviewing reply before rollout

WhatsApp has submitted its response to the Centre over concerns surrounding its proposed username feature, with the government now examining the company's explanation. The feature remains on hold in India as authorities assess whether the new system could increase online fraud, impersonation and phishing risks for millions of users.

WhatsApp deadline ends today: Meta to respond to India's notice on username feature

WhatsApp is expected to submit its response to the Indian government's notice over its proposed username feature today, after receiving a three-day extension from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The feature has raised concerns over fraud, impersonation and user safety, prompting the government to seek additional safeguards before any rollout.

Meta to invest C$13 billion in its first Canada data centre

Meta has announced plans to build its first data centre in Canada, investing C$13 billion in a gigawatt-scale facility in Alberta. The project will support the company's expanding AI infrastructure, create new demand for natural gas-powered electricity and renewable energy, while also drawing criticism from environmental groups over its energy footprint.

Meta unveils Muse AI for image generation across Instagram, WhatsApp and Meta AI app

Meta has introduced Muse, a new AI-powered image generation model that will be available across its apps. While the tool brings image creation and editing features to Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook Marketplace, one capability involving public Instagram photos has already triggered questions over user privacy.

How did Instagram run ads promoting child abuse in India?

India has issued a notice to Meta after an investigation alleged that Instagram displayed paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material. MeitY ordered Meta to remove such Instagram ads and explain within seven days how they were approved

Government orders Meta to remove Instagram ads linked to child sexual abuse content

The Centre has issued a notice to Meta, directing the company to immediately remove content on Instagram that allegedly facilitated access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM)

India to summon Meta over reports of Instagram ads allegedly promoting child sexual abuse

Government seeks explanation after reports claimed Instagram carried paid advertisements containing objectionable terms linked to child sexual abuse material, prompting Meta to remove the ads and suspend associated accounts

Meta says its next-gen AI model 'Watermelon' uses 10x more compute, matches GPT-5.5 benchmarks

Meta executives are signalling growing confidence in the company's AI efforts. During an internal town hall, AI chief Alexandr Wang reportedly told employees that Meta's next flagship model has reached GPT-5.5-level performance on internal benchmarks, even as CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged the company's broader AI ambitions are taking longer to deliver results.

After 8,000 Meta layoffs, Mark Zuckerberg says AI won't necessarily replace jobs

As Meta restructures to fund its expanding AI ambitions, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has argued that artificial intelligence is not destined to destroy jobs. Instead, he believes technology that boosts individual productivity could create more employment opportunities, even as the company trims thousands of roles and invests heavily in next-generation AI.

Why has India halted WhatsApp’s username feature before launch?

India has halted WhatsApp’s planned username feature, citing concerns about cybercrime, impersonation, and law enforcement challenges. As Meta races to address security concerns, here’s why MeitY has paused the rollout, what the feature does, and how it could influence privacy and online safety in India