WhatsApp takes a stringent stand on encryption. TikTok CEO makes an emphatic statement against the US ban. JioCinema ridiculously reduces its monthly Premium price. The world of technology was dominated by these headlines in the week that was. Take a look.
Meta’s WhatsApp took a firm stand on its privacy principles in a recent hearing at the Delhi High Court, warning that it might exit the Indian market if compelled to weaken its encryption standards. The case revolves around the company’s challenge to the recently amended Information Technology (IT) rules which, according to WhatsApp, could infringe upon user privacy.
During the proceedings, WhatsApp’s legal representative, Tejas Karia, made it clear to the court that the company would rather pull out of its largest market than compromise the security of its users. “As a platform, we are saying, if we are told to break encryption, then WhatsApp goes,” Karia stated, highlighting the importance of encryption in safeguarding user privacy.
The argument presented by WhatsApp underscores the company’s longstanding commitment to encryption, a feature that has attracted millions of users worldwide. The current legal battle stems from the platform’s concerns that the new IT rules were introduced without sufficient dialogue and consultation, raising serious privacy concerns that could potentially violate constitutional rights in India.
Click here to read the story behind the new IT rules
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JioCinema has introduced a new subscription tier, ‘JioCinema Premium’, designed to address consumer demands for affordable, high-quality streaming services. Starting at just Rs 29 per month, this service aims to tackle the common issues faced by viewers, including high subscription costs, limited device access, and varied video quality.
The new subscription plans from JioCinema are structured to provide an ad-free experience, with options for streaming content in high definition up to 4K resolution. Subscribers can also download content for offline viewing, enhancing convenience for users on the go. The service boasts a wide array of content that includes exclusive series, major blockbuster films, popular Hollywood productions, children’s content, and diverse TV shows, all accessible across multiple devices such as smart TVs.
Additionally, recognising the needs of households looking for a more inclusive entertainment solution, JioCinema has unveiled a ‘Family’ plan. Priced at Rs 89 per month, this plan allows streaming on up to four different screens at once, ensuring that various members of a family can enjoy different shows and movies simultaneously without compromise.
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TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew declared the company’s intention to maintain its operations in the United States despite new legislative challenges. This announcement came after President Joe Biden signed a bill that could potentially lead to the banning of the app. The legislation specifically targets TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, mandating it to divest its US operations within 270 days or face prohibition.
Chew confidently stated, “Rest assured – we aren’t going anywhere. The facts and the Constitution are on our side and we expect to prevail again.” He underscored the company’s determination to continue serving its vast user base in the US, despite the pressures from the recently passed bill.
The bill received bipartisan support in both the Senate and House of Representatives, stemming from bipartisan concerns about the risks of data security and surveillance due to the app’s Chinese ownership. TikTok, widely popular for its short video content, now faces a crucial period as it navigates the implications of this new US legislation.
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Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled the Phi-3-mini, a new addition to its artificial intelligence offerings, positioned as a cost-effective alternative in the AI technology market. This streamlined version of their existing AI models boasts comparable capabilities but at substantially lower costs.
During the product launch, Microsoft’s Vice President of GenAI Research, Sébastien Bubeck, highlighted the financial benefits of the new model. “The Phi-3-mini is not merely less expensive—it represents a dramatic reduction in costs, approximately ten times lower than other models with similar functions,” Bubeck explained.
The Phi-3-mini, featuring 3.8 billion parameters, is designed to outperform models that are twice its size, offering potent computational efficiency. This model is a part of Microsoft’s new initiative targeting the deployment of small language models (SLMs) that cater to simpler, more direct tasks. This makes the Phi-3-mini especially suitable for smaller businesses that require robust AI capability without the accompanying high expense.
This launch is in line with Microsoft’s strategic vision to democratise AI technology, making powerful tools more accessible and affordable, thereby expected to reshape industry practices and workplace dynamics on a global scale.
Click here to find out all about SLMs
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Nothing Phone 1, the maiden smartphone offering from UK tech innovator Nothing, has started receiving the new Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5.5. The latest software update, which also rolls out globally for users of the recently launched Nothing Phone 2, brings a suite of enhancements including new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
A notable addition to this update is the integration of ChatGPT, enhancing the user experience with advanced AI capabilities. Since its debut in July 2022, the Nothing Phone 1 has seen a series of software upgrades aimed at improving functionality and user satisfaction. This update underscores Nothing’s commitment to keeping its devices at the cutting edge of technology and user-centric innovation.
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That’s it from the world of tech headlines this week. Stay tuned to this space for more top stories next week.
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