App stores, brands, influencers and fake reviews: AI-generated ratings and fake reviews on app stores are cause for concern

Prashant Puri, CEO & co-founder of AdLift, acknowledges the issue, stating, "Fake reviews are a disaster waiting to happen. Both Google Play and the App Store rely on user engagement signals like ratings, reviews, downloads, and retention to rank apps. A sudden surge of five-star reviews can push an app higher, but if not backed by real engagement, the boost is temporary. Google and Apple’s detection systems aren’t perfect, but they are improving, and manipulated reviews eventually get flagged." (Representative Image: Bernard Hermant via Unsplash)

Calling out the fake reviews, Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath said, “I wonder how many Google India Play Store and Apple App Store reviews are genuine. I was going through Zerodha’s reviews and compared them with those of other financial services apps in India. Most of the 5-star reviews seem fake — many even read like AI-generated content.”

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.

Google’s Public Policy Shake-up: Are big techs struggling to retain policy heads in India?

Balancing global corporate strategies with local political sensitivities and sudden regulatory shifts makes the job of policy heads challenging, say experts.

Instability in public policy roles is a recurring issue for a few big tech firms and multinationals in India. Complex regulatory landscape, heavy compliance burden, or lack of leadership? Experts weigh in.

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.

Fake apps duping Indians: How scammers are leveraging AI for malicious activities

The fraudulent post, attributed to a user named Pooja, prompted Nestle India to clarify its official recruitment processes. The company confirmed that it exclusively hires candidates through two legitimate channels: direct applications via the Nestle India website or through partnerships with reputable and authorized recruitment agencies.

Fraudsters use platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media ads to spread links to fake apps.

‘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.