California is advancing legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from using major social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, citing addictive design features. The proposal could set a template for other states, including Massachusetts, which are also considering similar restrictions. The debate is gaining national attention, with former President Donald Trump expressing interest in a broader ban.
A casual moment turned into a viral controversy when Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma was filmed sipping from a Coca-Cola can at a rally in West Bengal. The timing—during chatter about a canned beverage crunch—triggered widespread memes, criticism, and even “security risk” warnings online. The incident has quickly become a flashpoint for misinformation and public scrutiny.
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A Kashmiri man reported missing in Sharjah has been found imprisoned, fined, and threatened with deportation after authorities linked him to an Iran related social media post. The case follows another detention of Kashmiri expatriates in Gulf countries within weeks, underscoring how overseas residents can face serious legal action over online activity.
Bluesky has raised its photo upload limits, allowing users to post higher-quality images than before. The new cap increases maximum file size to 2MB and expands the maximum resolution to 4000 x 4000, making it easier to share detailed photos without heavy compression or cropping.
TV actor Parth Samthaan has announced a temporary break from social media, saying online negativity has left him disturbed. In an Instagram Story, he claimed he and his family have been targeted through alleged personal attacks via fake accounts. Samthaan added it feels pointless to name names, signaling he wants distance from the harassment rather than a public back-and-forth.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate removal of social media posts and videos showing or referencing recent court proceedings involving Arvind Kejriwal and other senior AAP leaders. In its direction, the court asked major platforms including X, Google, and Meta to take down the viral content related to the April 13 hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
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Tamil Nadu went to polls on Thursday as Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Senthamizan Seeman, a filmmaker-politician, cast his vote on camera. The video was uploaded immediately and widely circulated on social media, revealing his electoral choice. Netizens questioned whether recording and sharing voting on camera violates electoral protocols, igniting debate online.
X is shutting down Communities, saying only a small fraction of its users were actively using the feature and that a large portion of that activity was spam. The company’s decision effectively ends Groups-style discussion spaces within the platform, underscoring how moderation and engagement challenges are reshaping X’s product lineup.
Meta is replacing its Accounts Center with a new Meta Account aimed at simplifying how users manage their experience across multiple Meta apps and devices. The change is designed to consolidate settings and make cross-app control more seamless, reducing the need to revisit different menus as you switch platforms within Meta’s ecosystem.
Iran mocked US President Donald Trump after he called India and China “hellholes” in a controversial citizenship post. Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai shared a video showcasing Maharashtra’s natural and cultural heritage, urging Trump to get a “cultural detox” and telling him to “kabhi India aa ke dekho.” The jab quickly sparked online reactions across social media.
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Ahead of COP30, analysts warn that AI-generated disinformation is shaping what people think is happening at the summit. A widely shared clip claiming the host Amazon city is flooded has been flagged as fabricated, with its creator apparently making up not just the flood, but also the reporter, residents, and even the location itself.
The five-day India AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi began February 16 with big expectations and planned talks from global tech leaders and Indian startups. But Day 1 was marred by logistics problems, triggering complaints and panning on social media. Organisers now face added pressure to keep subsequent sessions on track.
Instagram is testing a new “Instants” app designed for more fleeting sharing. Users can send disappearing photos to friends that are viewable only once, while the shared content stays accessible for up to 24 hours. The trial hints at Instagram leaning further into time-limited privacy and quick-hit social moments.
CBSE has urged Class 10 and 12 students and parents to disregard social media rumours about question paper leaks ahead of the upcoming board exams. With over 46 lakh students set to take the tests, the board cautioned that fake news is designed to mislead and can create unnecessary stress, urging everyone to rely on official updates only.
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A video circulating on social media shows an alleged verbal altercation between Indian tourists and embassy officials in Rome. The person who recorded the incident claims they and friends were filming near the Indian Embassy when officials asked them to stop recording and delete videos already captured. Details remain contested as the clip spreads online.
Twitter’s India policy head is set to step down and transition responsibilities in March, according to reports. The move comes as the San Francisco-based platform faces pressure from the Indian government over allegations involving the blocking and unblocking of specific accounts that tweeted about the farmer protests.
Australia kicked off the trend in late 2025 with a ban aimed at shielding children from social media pressures and harms. Regulators cite risks like cyberbullying, social media addiction, and exposure to predators—concerns now driving other countries to consider similar restrictions. The policy wave is reshaping how platforms will handle youth access and age verification.
CBSE has issued a stern warning to Class 10 and 12 board exam evaluators, asking them not to share any confidential exam-related information on social media. The board cautioned that such posts can be misleading or factually incorrect, potentially creating confusion among students, parents, and other stakeholders. CBSE also hinted that legal action could follow violations.
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The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has warned against any social media discussion, analysis, or circulation of its recruitment exam question papers, citing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The commission says violations can invite severe penalties including jail terms up to 10 years, fines up to ₹1 crore, and disqualification from future exams.
Karnataka is considering a ban on social media use for children under 16, framing it as protection from online harms. The proposal has triggered debate over whether shielding teenagers from risks also limits their access to information, learning, and broader life opportunities beyond screens.
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