Ranveer Allahbadia row: Are AI or virtual influencers the answer to avoiding scandals and controversies?

Amid Ranveer Allahbadia's controversy, can virtual influencers become the new face of marketing for brands? (From left to right: Kyla (virtual influencer), Ranveer Allahbadia, Naina Avtr (virtual influencer))

Brands could increasingly swap scandal-prone humans for AI influencers who never mess up, demand pay raises, or tweet something regrettable at 3 a.m.

Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025: MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju to discuss vision for India’s media transformation

"Govt is looking at a range of regulatory reforms which will allow for modernisation, inclusivity and fair play in the industry," said Sanjay Jaju at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, in New Delhi on February 27.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the MIB, will detail the government’s initiatives to empower both digital and traditional media. His address will emphasize efforts to support sustainable industry growth, drive innovation, and enable new monetization models in an AI-driven media landscape.

Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025: Industry leaders to discuss on AI-powered fact-checking in news

With AI-driven tools becoming indispensable in newsrooms, this session will provide key insights into how technology can help combat misinformation while maintaining public trust in the media. (Photo: Unsplash)

At the upcoming Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, a distinguished panel of media and technology executives will explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in news verification. As AI-driven tools become increasingly integral to journalism, the discussion will examine their potential to enhance accuracy while addressing concerns over bias, transparency, and ethical implementation.

Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 to see leaders’ dialogues on ‘Redefining Reach, Revenue & Responsibility’ in an AI age

This session will lead the discussion on the impact of AI-powered algorithms on news consumption and platform prioritization; the influence of AI on revenue models, personalized ad targeting and content recommendation systems.

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) is once again setting the stage for pivotal conversations at the highly anticipated Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, scheduled for February 27 in New Delhi.

Sensationalism vs. Substance: Industry raises concerns over YouTube’s algorithmic choices

Chanchlani's case is tagged with Ranveer Allahbadia’s similar plea to streamline proceedings and avoid multiple trials.

Highlighting the ‘selective outrage’ directed solely at content creators in the Ranveer Allahbadia controversy, key media and legal experts raise concerns about YouTube’s accountability.

MeitY Secretary S Krishnan to elucidate on AI and accountability at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025

S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), Government of India, is slated to share his insights on a futuristic regulatory AI blueprint. (Image: S Krishnan speaking at the Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave in 2024)

MeitY’s S Krishnan to spotlight AI and accountability and the regulatory roadmap at Storyboard18’s Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2025, on February 27, in New Delhi.

‘Summon Sundar Pichai also’: Indian influencer questions YouTube’s accountability in Ranveer Allahbadia controversy

Ranveer Allahbadia (right) controversy has sparked a debate on social media about the accountability of digital platforms, especially YouTube, and their role in moderating content online.

Defending Ranveer Allahbadia amid India’s Got Latent row, YouTuber Gaurav Taneja aka Flying Beast has criticised the authorities for targeting Allahbadia only and not holding the platform’s leadership accountable.

Platform for ‘married-dating’, Ashley Madison, makes a bold gamble in India: Navigating controversy, culture, and the law

Ashley Madison isn’t India’s first extramarital dating platform. Gleeden, a French-origin platform, has been operating in the country with relatively little controversy, thanks to its more subtle positioning. Keable, however, remains unfazed: "Globally, we are the undisputed leader in the married dating space. One major differentiator is transparency. Unlike some competitors, we openly discuss our business. People like myself engage in conversations like this to build trust with our audience."

“Compared to Western cultures, India is more conservative, traditional, and family-oriented. Yet, India ranked as the eighth-highest country for signups last year,” says Paul Keable, Chief Strategy Officer at Ashley Madison.