TechPression

Category: Mobile

  • WhatsApp introduces built-in document scanner to simplify file sharing

    WhatsApp introduces built-in document scanner to simplify file sharing

    WhatsApp has introduced a built-in document scanner, enhancing its functionality for over 2 billion users. 

    This feature, announced on December 27, 2024, enables users to scan and share documents directly in the app, removing the need for third-party tools.

    Read also: From messaging to money: WhatsApp Pay brings simple, secure payments to Indian users

    How It works

    To utilise the scanner, open a chat in WhatsApp and tap the “Plus” icon. Select “Documents,” where you will find the option to “Scan document.” 

    The in-app camera opens, automatically detecting and cropping the document’s edges. Users can adjust margins as needed before sending it directly through WhatsApp.

    This update benefits those who frequently share essential documents like bills or identification cards. 

    Previously, users had to switch between multiple apps, which was cumbersome and time-consuming. Now, everything is streamlined within WhatsApp, making sending documents faster and more efficient on the go.

    Read also: WhatsApp triumphs in 5-year legal battle against NSO

    Enhancing document sharing experience

    WhatsApp, founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum in 2009, was sold to Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.) in 2014 for approximately $19 billion. This remains one of the largest tech acquisitions in history.

    The introduction of the document scanner reflects a commitment to enhancing user experience by integrating essential tools into one platform. 

    This move simplifies document sharing and prioritises user privacy by reducing reliance on external applications that may compromise security.

    The scanner’s capabilities include various options for adjusting colours and cropping, ensuring that users can control how their documents appear before sharing. 

    As more people rely on digital communication for personal and professional needs, this feature addresses a growing demand for seamless document management within messaging apps.

  • TikTok Live accused of being a ‘Virtual Strip Club’ for minors, Utah lawsuit claims

    TikTok Live accused of being a ‘Virtual Strip Club’ for minors, Utah lawsuit claims

    Shocking allegations emerged from a Utah lawsuit on Saturday claiming that TikTok knowingly allowed its livestream feature, TikTok Live, to exploit children. 

    The lawsuit, filed by Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, describes the platform as a “virtual strip club,” connecting minors with adult predators in real-time. 

    Internal documents suggest that TikTok was aware of these dangers but chose to ignore them due to the significant profits generated from these live streams.

    Read also: Nigeria hails Google, Microsoft, TikTok, X for N2.55 trillion tax contributions in H1 2024

    Disturbing revelations

    The lawsuit highlights findings from internal investigations, including “Project Meramec,” which revealed that hundreds of thousands of minors bypassed age restrictions on TikTok Live. Adults allegedly groomed these minors to perform explicit acts in exchange for virtual gifts. 

    The platform reportedly took a 50 percent commission on transactions in which adults paid young users for provocative performances.

    Outgoing Attorney General Sean Reyes emphasised the severity of these allegations, stating, “It would be outrageous enough to endanger our kids the way TikTok has — even if it was unintended.” 

    He pointed to the broader implications of online exploitation, which has led to serious issues like depression and trafficking among youth.

    TikTok has defended itself against these claims, asserting that it implements “industry-leading policies” to protect young users. 

    A spokesperson criticised the lawsuit for allegedly misrepresenting the company’s efforts and claimed that creators must be 18 years old to go live.

    However, the lawsuit argues that these measures have proven ineffective in safeguarding minors.

    Read also: TikTok bans under-16 users from using beauty filters to combat low self-esteem

    Legal and social implications

    These allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of TikTok, particularly regarding its ties to China and concerns over data privacy. 

    In April 2024, legislation gave TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, until January 19 to divest ownership or face a nationwide ban in the U.S.

    The Utah lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to this ongoing debate about social media accountability.

    The legal battle against TikTok is not isolated; it follows a trend where multiple states have raised concerns about child exploitation on social media platforms. 

    The revelations from Utah’s lawsuit could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled nationwide. 

    As Reyes noted, “Online exploitation of minors has exploded,” highlighting the urgent need for effective regulations to protect children in digital spaces.

    These developments underscore social media companies’ challenges in balancing profit with user safety. As more information comes to light about how platforms like TikTok operate, public scrutiny will likely increase, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency.

  • Telegram introduces NFT gifts, advanced search filters in new update

    Telegram introduces NFT gifts, advanced search filters in new update

    With its first update of the year, Telegram has introduced additional message search filters, the ability to convert presents into NFTs, and a new third-party-powered account verification method.

    In addition to its program for verifying public figures and organisations on the platform, the chat app has started a project to allow third-party agencies, including educational consortiums or food-quality regulators, to validate accounts that have previously been confirmed.

    Read also: Telegram surpasses $1 billion in revenue, achieves profitability for the first time in 11 years

    A new emblem to replace the blue checkmark

    A new emblem will appear next to account names that have been verified by a third party, replacing the previous blue checkmark.

    “This decentralised platform for additional verification will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation — with a unique proactive solution that sets a new safety standard for social platforms,” Telegram said in a blog post on Thursday.

    To be eligible to get the verified mark, individuals or organisations seeking authentication must first go through verification and fill out an application.

    According to Telegram, entities can assign or remove verification via its Bot API. This is similar to how businesses purchase verification on X and validate the accounts they are associated with.

    Following verification, the organization’s logo will appear on the profile of these associated profiles.

    Read also: Over 15 million offensive channels, groups were removed in 2024: Telegram

    Conversion of gifts to NFTs

    Additionally, Telegram introduced a method for converting gifts into NFTs with personalised icons and backgrounds.

    Telegram Stars, which can be purchased via the app or by connecting their TONNE crypto wallet to the Fragment website, are used by users to send presents.

    Users will be able to trade these NFTs across several platforms, according to Telegram.

    Notably, to pay for blockchain transaction expenses, Telegram charges users to upgrade their presents to collectibles.

    Cryptocurrencies have been utilised by Telegram to pay for games and micro apps on the network as well as to monetise creators.

    Additionally, the firm has included new search filters for private chats, group chats, and channels, as well as an emoji reaction option for service notifications, such as someone joining a group.

  • Apple settles Siri privacy lawsuit for $95 million, agrees to delete old voice recordings

    Apple settles Siri privacy lawsuit for $95 million, agrees to delete old voice recordings

    Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement on Thursday to resolve a class-action lawsuit concerning its voice assistant, Siri. 

    The lawsuit, spanning five years, claimed that Siri recorded private conversations without user consent when unintentionally activated. 

    Plaintiffs reported receiving targeted ads after discussing products privately, raising concerns about privacy violations.

    Read also: Apple TV+ offers free streaming access to kickstart new year

    Details of the settlement

    The proposed agreement, submitted to a federal court in Oakland, California, requires approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. 

    As part of the settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing but commits to deleting Siri audio recordings made before October 2019 and will create a webpage to inform users about opting in to improve Siri’s functionality. 

    Eligible users who owned Siri-enabled devices from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, may receive up to $20 per device.

    Apple’s commitment to privacy

    Deceased Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs, emphasised user privacy as a core value of the company. 

    This lawsuit contradicts Apple’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding user data, a principle CEO Tim Cook reiterates. 

    Read also: Apple’s automatic data sharing in iOS 18’s Visual Search stirs privacy concerns

    He has described privacy as “a fundamental human right,” highlighting the company’s dedication to protecting its customers.

    The case gained traction after a 2019 report revealed that Apple contractors often overheard sensitive conversations while reviewing Siri recordings for quality control.

    This settlement represents a small fraction of Apple’s substantial profits but reflects ongoing scrutiny over tech companies’ handling of user data. 

    As the situation evolves, Apple aims to reassure users about their privacy while enhancing Siri’s capabilities with new AI advancements expected in the coming years.

  • From messaging to money: WhatsApp Pay brings simple, secure payments to Indian users

    From messaging to money: WhatsApp Pay brings simple, secure payments to Indian users

    WhatsApp on Thursday announced that its payment service, WhatsApp Pay, is now accessible to all users in India. 

    This significant change follows the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) lifting the limit of 100 million users, allowing the platform to expand its services to its entire user base of over 500 million.

    Read also: WhatsApp celebrates 10 years of privacy with new group features, AI tools

    A new era for WhatsApp payments

    WhatsApp Pay, which utilises the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enables users to send and receive money directly within the app. 

    This integration simplifies transactions, making it as easy as sending a message. The NPCI initially imposed user limits to ensure security and performance, but with the recent changes, WhatsApp can now fully tap into India’s booming mobile payments market.

    Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Meta, aims to expand WhatsApp beyond messaging. The NPCI’s approval is crucial for WhatsApp, enabling it to better compete with established services like Google Pay and PhonePe.

    How to use WhatsApp pay

    Setting up WhatsApp Pay is straightforward:

    Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.

    Select Payments and tap Add Payment Method.

    Choose your bank and verify your phone number.

    Set up your UPI PIN.

    To send money:

    Start a chat with the recipient.

    Tap the ₹ icon at the bottom right.

    Enter the amount and confirm with your UPI PIN.

    Read also: WhatsApp triumphs in 5-year legal battle against NSO

    This user-friendly approach ensures that transactions are seamless and efficient.

    The NPCI’s decision also reflects a broader trend towards digital payments in India, expected to reach a staggering $1 trillion by 2023. As more users adopt digital payments, platforms like WhatsApp Pay will be crucial in shaping how transactions are conducted in everyday life.

    The lifting of restrictions comes as the NPCI has also delayed imposing a market share cap on UPI players until December 2026, providing further breathing room for companies like PhonePe, which currently dominates the market.

    WhatsApp’s expansion seeks to improve user experience by allowing money transfers directly within the app, aligning with UPI guidelines and transforming financial interactions in social networks.

  • Meta exploring AI-powered virtual users for social platforms

    Meta exploring AI-powered virtual users for social platforms

    Meta Platforms Inc., founded by Mark Zuckerberg, announced on December 31, 2024, its ambitious plan to integrate AI-generated users into its social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. 

    This initiative aims to enhance user engagement by introducing virtual personas to interact with real users, creating a new layer of digital communication.

    Read also: Clash of the giants: Meta, Apple battle over privacy, interoperability in Europe

    AI characters on social media

    Meta’s strategy to attract younger audiences includes introducing AI-generated characters. 

    According to Connor Hayes, Meta’s Vice President of Product for Generative AI, “We expect these AIs to, over time, exist on our platforms, kind of in the same way that accounts do”.

    These characters will have bios and profile pictures and can generate and share content. Since launching the tools in July 2024, the company has already created hundreds of thousands of these AI profiles.

    This move responds to social media’s competitive landscape, where platforms like Snapchat and TikTok have begun utilising AI technology to engage users. 

    TikTok‘s use of AI has boosted user engagement, with a 50 per cent rise in views of AI-generated content. Meta aims to use AI-generated users to deepen user connections.

    Read also: Meta unveils Video Seal: The new weapon fashioned against Deepfakes 

    Enhancing user engagement

    Meta’s innovative approach raises intriguing possibilities for online interactions. These virtual personas are designed to entertain and connect with users emotionally.

    Imagine getting personalised fashion advice from an AI account tailored to your style or interacting with a travel enthusiast who suggests vacation spots based on your interests.

    This technology challenges traditional ideas of authenticity in social media. As AI characters become more integrated, users must learn to distinguish between human and AI interactions.

    Hayes emphasised creating a more engaging experience: “The long-term goal is for these AI users to exist on the platforms in a similar way to accounts managed by flesh-and-blood people.”

    This shift raises ethical concerns and potential misuse, particularly regarding misinformation and the erosion of trust in online content as Meta introduces these features.

    The company asserts that all AI-generated content will be clearly labelled to maintain transparency within its user base.

    Meta’s exploration into AI-generated users marks a pivotal shift in online interaction, potentially redefining social media dynamics and user expectations.

  • Telephony app simplifies mobile phone registration for Egyptians returning from abroad

    Telephony app simplifies mobile phone registration for Egyptians returning from abroad

    Egyptians returning from abroad can now enjoy a streamlined process for registering imported mobile phones, thanks to the launch of the Telephony application. Developed by the Egyptian Customs Authority in partnership with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), the app provides a user-friendly platform for recording devices, ensuring they remain operational without unnecessary delays or hassle.

    The Telephony app allows users to register their imported phones within a 90-day grace period, during which the devices can function without incurring additional charges. After this period, customs fees—amounting to up to 38.5 percent of the device’s price—must be paid to maintain functionality. This initiative is designed to simplify the process for users while ensuring compliance with Egypt’s customs regulations.

    Read also: Kenya proposes new licensing rules for Internet cafés, including CCTV and activity logs

    Streamlining compliance and protecting consumers

    The Telephony system eliminates the need for citizens to visit customs offices by enabling them to enquire about fees and complete registration entirely online. A joint statement by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology emphasized the app’s role in enhancing governance and protecting users from smuggled or counterfeit devices.

    “This digital system ensures transparency, simplifies compliance, and provides a secure mechanism for registering devices while supporting users with reliable tools,” the ministries stated.

    Boosting local industry and tackling illegal imports

    The app applies exclusively to newly imported phones, excluding devices purchased locally or activated before January 1, 2025. Officials believe the initiative will not only simplify user experiences but also strengthen the local telecommunications industry.

    “The system supports Egypt’s broader efforts to produce high-quality, competitively priced mobile phones locally, fostering exports and promoting a thriving domestic market,” the statement added.

    Vice Minister of Finance for Tax Policies Sherif El-Kilany highlighted the damaging effects of illegal mobile phone imports, which account for 95% of devices entering the country. Over one year, this resulted in LE 60 billion worth of smuggled phones, significantly impacting public revenue and disrupting the local market.

    Read also: Fresh crisis erupts between Genghis Capital and Safaricom over M-Pesa-backed unit trusts

    Digital transformation and economic impact

    By streamlining compliance and enabling seamless registration, the Telephony app aligns with Egypt’s commitment to digital transformation. The app’s text notification system alerts users to pending customs payments, ensuring compliance within the 90-day grace period. Non-compliance will result in device deactivation, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the new system.

    Through this initiative, Egypt not only bolsters its economy but also ensures fair competition and strengthens the local mobile phone industry, benefiting users and the nation alike.

  • Apple TV+ offers free streaming access to kickstart new year

    Apple TV+ offers free streaming access to kickstart new year

    Apple TV+ is celebrating the start of 2025 by offering free access to its entire catalogue from January 3 to January 5. This promotion is open to anyone with an Apple ID, allowing viewers worldwide to enjoy popular series and films without a subscription fee.

    A New Year’s gift

    This initiative marks a first for Apple, as they typically only offer limited free trials. The company aims to attract new viewers, encouraging them to explore acclaimed originals like Severance, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking. Apple stated, “Apple TV+ is ringing in the New Year by offering an all-access pass to customers worldwide”.

    Read also: Apple expands into home security: Facial recognition smart locks, doorbells in development

    How to access

    To participate, users must simply log into the Apple TV app using their Apple ID. Those without an account can create one quickly, ensuring everyone can join the fun. 

    This weekend, potential subscribers will have a unique opportunity to experience the platform’s offerings without any financial commitment.

    Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs, envisioned a seamless integration of technology and entertainment, and this promotion reflects that vision by making quality content accessible to all. 

    As the streaming market gets more competitive, Apple TV+ hopes that this approach will turn casual viewers into loyal subscribers.

    With a lineup that includes thrilling dramas and family-friendly films, viewers are encouraged to dive into the diverse content available during this promotional weekend.

  • Apple’s automatic data sharing in iOS 18’s Visual Search stirs privacy concerns

    Apple’s automatic data sharing in iOS 18’s Visual Search stirs privacy concerns

    Apple‘s most recent update to iOS 18 has sparked privacy concerns, as it appears to share users’ photo data with the company automatically.

    This function, known as Enhanced Visual Search, was announced on December 28, 2024. While it recognises landmarks in images, it automatically transmits encrypted data to Apple’s servers without the user’s permission.

    Read also: Apple expands into home security: Facial recognition smart locks, doorbells in development

    Privacy under scrutiny

    Jeff Johnson, a developer and researcher, brought this issue to light in his blog, stating that the Enhanced Visual Search feature is enabled automatically on iPhones and Macs running the latest software.

    This functionality allows users to search for images by landmark names but requires data to be shared with Apple’s servers.

    Unlike the previous Visual Look Up feature, which operated entirely on-device, Enhanced Visual Search sends “vector embeddings” of image characteristics for analysis.

    Apple boasts of its privacy protocols across products and services. The company even launched a campaign in 2019 titled ‘Privacy.

    That’s Apple. This automatic data sharing raises questions about the company’s commitment to safeguarding user information.

    Users have reported finding the setting enabled on their devices without their knowledge, prompting concerns about how much control they have over their data.

    Read also: Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged complicity in Congo’s human rights abuses

    How to turn off enhanced visual search

    For those concerned about privacy implications, turning off this feature is straightforward. Users can navigate to Settings > Apps > Photos on their iPhone or Mac and turn off the Enhanced Visual Search option.

    This action will prevent any further data sharing with Apple regarding photo content.

    While Apple has implemented encryption and other privacy measures, this feature’s default nature contrasts sharply with its usual practices, which require explicit opt-in for data collection.

    As users become increasingly aware of their digital footprint, this move by Apple may lead to a reevaluation of trust in the company’s privacy policies.

  • WhatsApp celebrates 10 years of privacy with new group features, AI tools

    WhatsApp celebrates 10 years of privacy with new group features, AI tools

    WhatsApp recently celebrated 10 years of prioritising user privacy, announcing new features on December 27, 2024.

    WhatsApp, a prominent messaging platform, has become renowned for its dedication to security since its inception in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum.

    Read also: YouTube simplifies content discovery with ‘Play Something’ button

    A decade of privacy innovation

    Since introducing end-to-end encryption in 2016, WhatsApp has consistently rolled out features that enhance user privacy.

    The latest addition, the Group Context Card, allows users to manage group interactions more effectively.

    Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s VP and Head of Product, emphasised the importance of privacy: “The need for private, intimate conversations is and always will be central to WhatsApp”.

    In addition to the Group Context Card, WhatsApp has integrated Meta AI into its platform, enhancing user experiences while maintaining security.

    This integration is particularly beneficial in India, where WhatsApp has a vast user base. Newton-Rex noted that “messaging is likely to be a major way people interact with AI tools today”.

    Read also: YouTube on your TV? Airtel Nigeria teams up with Google to convert analogue TVs into smart screens

    Enhancing user control and safety

    WhatsApp demonstrates its commitment to user safety through various features to combat abuse and misinformation. In 2024 alone, the platform banned over 73 million accounts in India for malicious activities.

    Introducing Channels allows verified organisations to share credible updates directly with users, aiming to reduce misinformation during critical times.

    The platform also focuses on empowering users with tools like Disappearing Messages and Two-Step Verification, which provide additional layers of security. As Newton-Rex stated, “Privacy is at the core of everything we do”.

    WhatsApp’s journey reflects a commitment to creating a safe space for users worldwide, reinforcing its position as a trusted communication tool.