Digital – Page 17 – storyboard18

India is an anchor market for Unilever, says newly appointed chief executive Fernando Fernandez

Fernando Fernandez, new Unilever CEO, wants to build India as one of his key markets in the future.

Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez also remarked on the need to rethink brand influence in an era of consumer skepticism. “We need to drive desirability at scale and rethink our marketing systems,” he said.

IndiaAI mission marks milestone with launch of AIKosha, compute portal, and key initiatives

Among the key initiatives launched were AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform, the AI Compute Portal, the AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials, iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F, the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative, and IndiaAI FutureSkills.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils transformative AI infrastructure to propel India’s AI leadership.

Google tests AI-powered search mode to handle complex queries

The experimental feature, powered by Google's latest AI model Gemini 2.0, represents a significant shift in how the search giant envisions the feature of its core product.

New AI Mode uses Google’s Gemini 2.0 to summarize multipart questions, marking a shift in search strategy.

India adds 26 billionaires in a year, ranks 3rd in global billionaire wealth

The report notes that the billionaire landscape is now more global, with new hubs emerging outside the traditional powerhouses.

At the US$ 10+ million level, the US is home to almost 39% of all wealthy individuals globally, nearly twice the level of China.

YouTube crosses 125 million paid subscribers, expands ‘Premium Lite’ tier

The new plan allows users to watch most videos ad-free across various content categories like gaming, cooking, comedy, and education, but excludes music videos, Shorts, and background play.

The Google-owned video-sharing giant continues its rapid paid subscriber growth, adding 25 million users in just over a year.

Disney to cut around 6% staff across units: Report

As part of the downsizing, Disney is consolidating its news programming—merging the production of ABC's flagship programs "20/20" and "Nightline" into a single unit. (Image: WSJ)

Despite the layoffs, Disney’s latest earnings report showcased a 44% surge in adjusted per-share earnings, reaching $1.76 for the October-December quarter.

Tech giants oppose YouTube’s exemption from Australia’s social media ban for children

YouTube’s subscription business is also growing steadily, with the platform recently crossing 125 million subscribers globally across its Music and Premium services.

YouTube has been granted an exemption from the ban as it is considered an educational tool and allows children to use its services under parental supervision through family accounts.

Bharti Airtel urges TRAI to regulate WhatsApp, other OTT platforms to tackle spam

Airtel’s vice-chairman and managing director, Gopal Vittal, proposed extending the digital consent acquisition (DCA) framework to OTT platforms, enforcing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for users, and integrating these services into a centralised spam blacklist system.

Telecom giant calls for stricter oversight on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to curb fraud and unsolicited communication.

‘Big Tech must pay its fair share’, says Michael McNamara, Member of EU Parliament at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave

When asked about India's approach to data regulation, McNamara is careful not to impose recommendations but recognizes the growing importance of legal safeguards.

McNamara highlights that while AI legislation does address data concerns, it primarily focuses on managing the risks inherent in artificial intelligence rather than regulating the unlawful use of data.

45% of Indian seniors struggle to identify online fraud, cybercrimes on the rise

This lack of digital literacy makes them hesitant to adopt safer online practices or report suspicious activity, with 17% unaware of how to lodge complaints.

The consequences of such cybercrimes extend beyond financial losses. Victims often suffer emotional distress, reputational damage, and an erosion of trust in digital platforms.