News Analysis India

Tag: Twitter

  • Likes Now Private On Social Media Platform X, Users Can’t See Them On Posts |

    New Delhi: A day after making likes private on his social media platform X, Elon Musk on Thursday said that the move has resulted in a massive hike in the number of likes for millions of users worldwide.

    The tech billionaire had made all likes private by default to help people avoid retaliation from trolls and “better protect user privacy.”

    In a fresh post on X, he said that there has been a “massive increase in likes after they were made private.”

    After this change, the X users will not be able to see the posts that other users have liked on the platform.

    However, the users can still see the posts they liked and the post’s original writer can see who liked it.

    According to the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, the move is important to allow people to like posts without getting attacked for doing so.

    According to the social media platform, ‘likes’ are visible between you and the author.

    “The author will be notified, but not anyone else. Bookmark is only visible to you. We could even make it customisable for users,” according to the company.

  • dhruv rathee: ‘Getting rape and death threats’: Swati Maliwal opens up on campaign by AAP, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee

    Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has opened up about the death and rape threats she has been receiving, following an alleged “character assassination” campaign launched by AAP and she claimed that the situation just got worse when YouTuber Dhruv Rathee released a one-sided video against her on the assault allegations.

    Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Maliwal said that after the leaders and volunteers of AAP orchestrated a campaign of charachter assassination, victim shaming and fanning of emotions against her, she has been getting rape and death threats.

    “This got further exacerbated when YouTuber @Dhruv_Rathee posted a one-sided video against me. As far as the party leadership goes, it is very clear that they are trying to intimidate me into withdrawing my complaint. However, for Dhruv, I tried my best to reach out to him to tell him my version but he ignored my calls and messages,” she further said.(More to come)

  • Twitter Down: X Users Facing Difficulties Across India

    The X users are reporting issues in making tweets, opening tweets and loading of the content.

  • Twitter Ban: Pakistan Imposes Curb On Elon Musk’s X |

    New Delhi: The Pakistan Interior Ministry informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the disruption of social media platform ‘X’ in the country aims to address concerns regarding its misuse, as reported by Dawn.

    Ministry’s Submission To The Court

    Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, representing the ministry, submitted a report to the IHC in response to journalist Ehtisham Abbasi’s petition challenging the ban. (Also Read: Viral Video: Zomato Boy Delivering Food On Harley-Davidson Surfaces Online — Watch)

    Background Of Ban

    Access to ‘X’ has been disrupted in Pakistan since February 17, following allegations made by former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Chattha against the chief election commissioner and chief justice of Pakistan regarding rigging in the February 8 general elections. (Also Read: ‘Open To Anything,’ Says Microsoft Worker Who Was Laid Off After 3 Decades Of Service)

    Reasons For Ban

    The interior ministry’s report cited the failure of Twitter/’X’ to comply with lawful directives and address concerns about misuse, leading to the imposition of the ban.

    The decision was made in the interest of national security, public order, and the country’s integrity, considering reports from intelligence and security agencies.

    Government’s Objective Of Ban

    The ban on ‘X’ aims to counter hostile elements seeking to create chaos and instability, with the ultimate goal of destabilizing Pakistan.

    The platform’s lack of registration and cooperation with Pakistani authorities necessitates regulatory measures to ensure accountability and adherence to national laws.

    Response From Rights Bodies And US

    Rights bodies, journalists’ organizations, and internet service providers have condemned the social media disruption. The United States called on Pakistan to lift restrictions on social media platforms.

    Court Proceedings

    The IHC has been overseeing the matter, with Chief Justice Aamer Farooq warning of further action if satisfactory reasons for the disruption are not provided. Additional hearings are scheduled, with the next hearing set for May 2.

    (With ANI Inputs)

  • Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram And Other Platforms Face Data Breach, 26 Billion Records Leaked |

    New Delhi: According to Forbes, security researchers have revealed that a massive database containing no fewer than 26 billion leaked records has been discovered on an unsecured page. Security researchers are calling it the supermassive data leak or the “Mother of all Breaches.” This data leak, likely the largest ever recorded, has affected numerous platforms, including Twitter, Telegram, Chinese messaging giant Tencent, Weibo, Adobe, Canva, LinkedIn, and Dropbox.

    Researchers from Security Discovery and Cybernews detected the breach, which reportedly spans a size of 12 terabytes. The research team suspects that the database was compiled by a malicious actor or data broker.

    According to researchers, “Threat actors could leverage the aggregated data for a wide range of attacks, including identity theft, sophisticated phishing schemes, targeted cyberattacks, and unauthorized access to personal and sensitive accounts.” (Also Read: Google Chrome To Get 3 New Generative AI Features, Will Make Your Browsing Experience Easier)

    However, the most dangerous part is that it includes numerous combinations of usernames and passwords. Cybercriminals could exploit this information to execute various attacks, including identity theft, advanced phishing schemes, targeted cyber assaults, and unauthorized entry into personal and sensitive accounts.

    Jake Moore, a global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, reckons that “We should never underestimate what cybercriminals can achieve with such limited information. Victims need to be aware of the consequences of stolen passwords and make the necessary security updates in response.” (Also Read: Apple Rolls Out iOS 17.3 Update With THESE Features; Check Here)

    Other notable breaches include MySpace (360 million), Twitter (281 million), LinkedIn (251 million), and AdultFriendFinder (220 million).

  • X, Formerly Twitter, May Go Bankrupt Under Elon Musk If Advertisers Keep Fleeing | Technology News

    London: The loans Elon Musk took out to buy Twitter (now called X) was about $13 billion and the social media company has to pay about $1.2 billion in interest payments every year.

    As big advertisers quit the platform and X cannot pay the interest on its loans or pay employees, then it could actually go bankrupt, the BBC reported on Sunday. “But that would be an extreme scenario that Musk would surely want to avoid,” the report mentioned.

    However, for a company he bought for $44 billion, bankruptcy might sound unthinkable but “it is possible”. Disney and Apple are no longer advertising on X and Musk told companies last week to “Go f*** yourself.”

    Retail giant Walmart has confirmed that it is not advertising on X. “We aren’t advertising on X as we’ve found other platforms to better reach our customers,” a Walmart spokesperson was quoted as saying in reports.

    The departure of Walmart adds to the growing list of firms leaving X after Musk endorsed an antisemitic post last month (for which, he apologised last week). Apple, Disney, IBM, Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery are among the companies no longer buying ads on X.

    Last year, around 90 per cent of X’s revenue came from advertising. Not any more. Musk has warned that the loss of big advertisers would spell the end of X. “If the company fails, it will fail because of an advertiser boycott. And that will be what bankrupts the company.” he said.

    “What this advertising boycott is going to do is kill the company. And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company, and we will document it in great detail,” Musk had told the audience at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit.

    In 2022, Twitter’s advertising revenue was around $4 billion. Insider Intelligence estimates that this year, it will drop to $1.9 billion. After Musk’s outburst against big advertisers, X is reportedly aiming to tap small and medium businesses (SMBs) to offset the advertising loss from big companies.

    A new report by The Financial Times has claimed X will now turn to SMBs to shore up revenue after Musk angered big brands by supporting antisemitic content.

    “Small and medium businesses are a very significant engine that we have definitely underplayed for a long time,” a company spokesperson was quoted as saying. “It was always part of the plan, now we will go even further with it,” the company added.

  • Twitter, now known as X, reinstates Kanye’s account: US media

    Last fall, West posted an image that appeared to show a swastika interlaced with a Star of David, and tycoon Elon Musk suspended the artist from the platform, which he had bought weeks earlier. WASHINGTON: X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, has reinstated rapper and designer Kanye West around eight months after his account was suspended, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

    Last fall, West posted an image that appeared to show a swastika interlaced with a Star of David, and tycoon Elon Musk suspended the artist from the platform, which he had bought weeks earlier.

    Musk at the time labeled West’s post as an “incitement to violence.”

    X’s press office did not immediately respond to a query about West’s account. By late evening, West had yet to post anything new.

    West, who now goes professionally as Ye, assured the platform he would not use his account to share antisemitic content or use harmful language, the Journal said.

    Anti-Semitic remarks by West last year cost him heavily in lost business deals. Adidas cut ties with him after a nearly decade-long partnership, abandoning his Yeezy-branded sneakers.

    In May, the German company said the end of its highly successful collaboration with West hit sales by about 400 million euros (US$441 million) in the first quarter of the year.

    Gap and Balenciaga also cut ties with the rapper and designer.

    Since Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion last October, he has fired thousands of employees and cut moderation of content.

    In December, he reinstated former president Donald Trump’s Twitter account although Trump has yet to return to the platform.

    A week ago, Musk and his newly hired chief executive, Linda Yaccarino, announced the rebranding of Twitter as X and said it would become an “everything app” that would allow users to handle all their finances as well as socialising.

    Musk also killed off the Twitter logo, replacing the world-recognized blue bird with a white X.

  • Twitterati left amused by exchange between Pakistani actor, Delhi Police

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The repartee of Delhi Police on Twitter left netizens amused on Tuesday after a Pakistan actor sought to know its online link as she wished to file a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the micro-blogging site. 

    “Anyone knows the online link of Delhi Police? I have to file a complaint against the Indian PM & Indian Intelligence Agency RAW who are spreading chaos and terrorism in my country Pakistan. If the Indian courts are free (as they claim), then I am sure the Indian Supreme Court will provide me justice,” Pakistani actor Sehar Shinwari, who is also a self-proclaimed social activist from Karachi, wrote on the social media platform. 

    Her tweet might not have attracted much attention, but the response posted by the Delhi Police set the platform abuzz. Without missing a beat, the Delhi Police’s social media team swung into action and delivered a witty response that left everyone in stitches. 

    “We are afraid we still do not have jurisdiction in Pakistan. But would like to know how come you are tweeting when the internet has been shut down in your country!” its official handle posted. 

    We are afraid we still do not have jurisdiction in Pakistan.But, would like to know how come you are tweeting when the internet has been shut down in your country! https://t.co/lnUCf8tY59
    — Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) May 9, 2023
    Sehar, caught off guard by the response, found herself in a predicament and the butt of humour online. Amidst the humour that resonated across the online community, Sehar’s tweet became an instant sensation. 

    Memes and jokes flooded social media, with users gleefully shared the Delhi Police’s response, relishing in the hilarity of the situation. 

    A day later, Sehar took to Twitter again, now seeking the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the matter! 

    “I thought Delhi Police was a legal institution that works to implement the Samvidhan (Constitution) of India. I made a complain against one of their citizens (Narendra Modi) for commiting crimes inside other country. however, their response proved they are just “Trolls” of BJP whose job is to shut all voices who speak against injustice. Now I demand justice from @IntlCrimCourt,” she wrote. 

    I thought Delhi Police was a legal institution that works to implement the Samvidhan (Constitution) of India. I made a complain against one of their citizens (Narendra Modi) for commiting crimes inside other country. However, their response proved they are just “Trolls” of BJP…
    — Sehar Shinwari (@SeharShinwari) May 10, 2023
    The Pakistani actor’s tweet came after violence broke out in many cities of the neighbouring country following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan for alleged corruption. The cricketer-turned-politician was taken into custody by the paramilitary Rangers on Tuesday in a graft case. 

    NEW DELHI: The repartee of Delhi Police on Twitter left netizens amused on Tuesday after a Pakistan actor sought to know its online link as she wished to file a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the micro-blogging site. 

    “Anyone knows the online link of Delhi Police? I have to file a complaint against the Indian PM & Indian Intelligence Agency RAW who are spreading chaos and terrorism in my country Pakistan. If the Indian courts are free (as they claim), then I am sure the Indian Supreme Court will provide me justice,” Pakistani actor Sehar Shinwari, who is also a self-proclaimed social activist from Karachi, wrote on the social media platform. 

    Her tweet might not have attracted much attention, but the response posted by the Delhi Police set the platform abuzz. Without missing a beat, the Delhi Police’s social media team swung into action and delivered a witty response that left everyone in stitches. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “We are afraid we still do not have jurisdiction in Pakistan. But would like to know how come you are tweeting when the internet has been shut down in your country!” its official handle posted. 

    We are afraid we still do not have jurisdiction in Pakistan.
    But, would like to know how come you are tweeting when the internet has been shut down in your country! https://t.co/lnUCf8tY59
    — Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) May 9, 2023
    Sehar, caught off guard by the response, found herself in a predicament and the butt of humour online. Amidst the humour that resonated across the online community, Sehar’s tweet became an instant sensation. 

    Memes and jokes flooded social media, with users gleefully shared the Delhi Police’s response, relishing in the hilarity of the situation. 

    A day later, Sehar took to Twitter again, now seeking the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the matter! 

    “I thought Delhi Police was a legal institution that works to implement the Samvidhan (Constitution) of India. I made a complain against one of their citizens (Narendra Modi) for commiting crimes inside other country. however, their response proved they are just “Trolls” of BJP whose job is to shut all voices who speak against injustice. Now I demand justice from @IntlCrimCourt,” she wrote. 

    I thought Delhi Police was a legal institution that works to implement the Samvidhan (Constitution) of India. I made a complain against one of their citizens (Narendra Modi) for commiting crimes inside other country. However, their response proved they are just “Trolls” of BJP…
    — Sehar Shinwari (@SeharShinwari) May 10, 2023
    The Pakistani actor’s tweet came after violence broke out in many cities of the neighbouring country following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan for alleged corruption. The cricketer-turned-politician was taken into custody by the paramilitary Rangers on Tuesday in a graft case. 

  • #AskSrk session: Shah Rukh Khan makes witty answers to questions raised by Twitter users

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: He may be one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, but Shah Rukh Khan says he draws inspiration from regular people because it’s “special to be ordinary”.

    The 57-year-old superstar, who is awaiting the release of his much-awaited spy action film “Pathaan”, was interacting with his fans in his maiden #AskSrk session of 2023 on Twitter, which he wanted to be “fun”.

    “Have said this before I am inspired by regular people not achievers. It’s special to be ordinary (sic)” Shah Rukh wrote in response to a fan question about his inspiration.

    Directed by Siddharth Aanand, “Pathaan” is set to be released in theatres on January 25. It also features Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

    Shah Rukh’s good friend and colleague Salman Khan has a special appearance in the film.

    When one of the former’s Twitter followers quizzed him about the same, the actor said in a witty response: “use the QR code on the ticket and he will come in the film.”

    For the Yash Raj Films project, which marks SRK’s first big screen release since 2018’s “Zero”, the actor has worked hard on his physique.

    On comparison with Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh said his “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” co-star is more of an “inspiration” than competition.

    “Arre Duggu is my inspiration for the body,” he wrote, addressing Hrithik by his nickname.

    Praising his frequent co-star Deepika, Shah Rukh said she is “so nice it’s unbelievable”.

    “Pathaan” marks their fourth collaboration after “Om Shanti Om”, “Chennai Express” and “Happy New Year”.

    Ahead of its worldwide release, “Pathaan” has been battling controversy and calls for a ban after the release of its song Besharam Rang on December 12.

    A sequence in the song showing Deepika in a saffron bikini led to protests across India for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments.

    Last month, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) directed the makers to implement changes in the movie, including its songs, in accordance with board guidelines.

    When one of the users suggested that Shah Rukh should retire as “Pathaan” already appears to be a “disaster”, the Bollywood star had a cheeky response: “Beta badhon se aise baat nahi karte!! (You don’t talk to elders like this).

    Among fans who are waiting for “Pathaan” to hit the screens, there is also his “Dear Zindagi” co-star Alia Bhatt, who fondly calls Shah Rukh ‘SR’.

    A user was also curious about this nickname.

    “Why Alia calls you just SR? #AskSRK,” read a tweet.

    To which the star replied it could mean “sweet& romantic or maybe senior & respected or maybe just shah rukh (sic)”.

    Alia was quick to reveal that SR means “sweet and respected”.

    Shah Rukh, who calls Alia “lil one”, said now that she is married and a new mother he would call her “lil Amma Bhatt Kapoor”.

    Apart from “Pathaan”, Shah Rukh will also be seen in “Dunki” and “Jawan”.

    MUMBAI: He may be one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, but Shah Rukh Khan says he draws inspiration from regular people because it’s “special to be ordinary”.

    The 57-year-old superstar, who is awaiting the release of his much-awaited spy action film “Pathaan”, was interacting with his fans in his maiden #AskSrk session of 2023 on Twitter, which he wanted to be “fun”.

    “Have said this before I am inspired by regular people not achievers. It’s special to be ordinary (sic)” Shah Rukh wrote in response to a fan question about his inspiration.

    Directed by Siddharth Aanand, “Pathaan” is set to be released in theatres on January 25. It also features Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

    Shah Rukh’s good friend and colleague Salman Khan has a special appearance in the film.

    When one of the former’s Twitter followers quizzed him about the same, the actor said in a witty response: “use the QR code on the ticket and he will come in the film.”

    For the Yash Raj Films project, which marks SRK’s first big screen release since 2018’s “Zero”, the actor has worked hard on his physique.

    On comparison with Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh said his “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” co-star is more of an “inspiration” than competition.

    “Arre Duggu is my inspiration for the body,” he wrote, addressing Hrithik by his nickname.

    Praising his frequent co-star Deepika, Shah Rukh said she is “so nice it’s unbelievable”.

    “Pathaan” marks their fourth collaboration after “Om Shanti Om”, “Chennai Express” and “Happy New Year”.

    Ahead of its worldwide release, “Pathaan” has been battling controversy and calls for a ban after the release of its song Besharam Rang on December 12.

    A sequence in the song showing Deepika in a saffron bikini led to protests across India for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments.

    Last month, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) directed the makers to implement changes in the movie, including its songs, in accordance with board guidelines.

    When one of the users suggested that Shah Rukh should retire as “Pathaan” already appears to be a “disaster”, the Bollywood star had a cheeky response: “Beta badhon se aise baat nahi karte!! (You don’t talk to elders like this).

    Among fans who are waiting for “Pathaan” to hit the screens, there is also his “Dear Zindagi” co-star Alia Bhatt, who fondly calls Shah Rukh ‘SR’.

    A user was also curious about this nickname.

    “Why Alia calls you just SR? #AskSRK,” read a tweet.

    To which the star replied it could mean “sweet& romantic or maybe senior & respected or maybe just shah rukh (sic)”.

    Alia was quick to reveal that SR means “sweet and respected”.

    Shah Rukh, who calls Alia “lil one”, said now that she is married and a new mother he would call her “lil Amma Bhatt Kapoor”.

    Apart from “Pathaan”, Shah Rukh will also be seen in “Dunki” and “Jawan”.

  • Musician Elton John quits Twitter due to misinformation

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Veteran musician Elton John has decided to no longer use Twitter citing “misinformation” as the reason.

    The singer-songwriter shared the news in a statement posted on the microblogging site.

    “All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world,” John tweeted.

    “I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked,” he added.

    All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world. I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked.
    — Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 9, 2022
    The platform had announced around two weeks ago that it will no longer enforce a policy to combat misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic.

    In response to John’s post, Twitter CEO Elon Musk tweeted that he hopes the singer returns to the platform soon.

    “I love your music. Hope you come back. Is there any misinformation in particular that you’re concerned about?” Musk wrote.

    John’s departure comes as Twitter continues to remain at the centre of a number of controversies, most notably antisemitic posts on the platform by Kanye West and Kyrie Irving, which were criticised by the Anti-Defamation League, Ari Emanuel, LeBron James and many others.

    Other prominent personalities to quit Twitter since Musk took over the platform are Whoopi Goldberg, Jim Carrey, Shonda Rhimes, David Simon, Jamela Jamil, Trent Reznor, Gigi Hadid, Toni Braxton, Téa Leoni, Jack White, Liz Phair and Stephen Fry.

    LOS ANGELES: Veteran musician Elton John has decided to no longer use Twitter citing “misinformation” as the reason.

    The singer-songwriter shared the news in a statement posted on the microblogging site.

    “All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world,” John tweeted.

    “I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked,” he added.

    All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world.
     
    I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked.
    — Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 9, 2022
    The platform had announced around two weeks ago that it will no longer enforce a policy to combat misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic.

    In response to John’s post, Twitter CEO Elon Musk tweeted that he hopes the singer returns to the platform soon.

    “I love your music. Hope you come back. Is there any misinformation in particular that you’re concerned about?” Musk wrote.

    John’s departure comes as Twitter continues to remain at the centre of a number of controversies, most notably antisemitic posts on the platform by Kanye West and Kyrie Irving, which were criticised by the Anti-Defamation League, Ari Emanuel, LeBron James and many others.

    Other prominent personalities to quit Twitter since Musk took over the platform are Whoopi Goldberg, Jim Carrey, Shonda Rhimes, David Simon, Jamela Jamil, Trent Reznor, Gigi Hadid, Toni Braxton, Téa Leoni, Jack White, Liz Phair and Stephen Fry.