Weekly Tech Wrap: Tata To Become iPhone Maker, GTA 6 Trailer Coming Next Month, More Top Technology News

From MeitY coming down on deepfakes to WhatsApp Channels to start showing ads, here are the biggest tech news stories from the week that was.

From Tata taking over iPhone maker Wistron to GTA 6 finally set to break cover after years of rumours, the world of technology news was dominated by these headlines, and more, over the past week. Here’s a deeper look. 

Tata To Make iPhones

Tata Electronics, a subsidiary of India's largest conglomerate, Tata Group, has reportedly finalised a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire full ownership of Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Private Limited (WMMI). The aim is to manufacture iPhone models in India, marking Tata Group as the first domestic company to enter the iPhone assembly supply chain. 

The completion of this agreement is contingent upon obtaining necessary approvals, with Wistron expected to adhere to regulatory requirements in issuing statements and submitting filings. This strategic deal, involving SMS InfoComm (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and Wistron Hong Kong Limited, positions Tata Group alongside global players like Foxconn, Pegatron, Wistron, and Luxshare, as it ventures into iPhone production in the facility near Bengaluru in southern India.

Govt Strict On Deepfakes

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued an advisory to social media companies, emphasizing the importance of compliance with existing guidelines. The advisory reiterates Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, dealing with penalties for impersonation-related cheating through computer resources, with potential consequences of up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

Furthermore, the advisory cites "IT Intermediary Rules: Rule 3(1)(b)(vii)," requiring social media intermediaries to exercise due diligence by explicitly informing users in their rules, regulations, privacy policies, or user agreements not to host content that impersonates others.

Additionally, "Rule 3(2)(b)" mandates that intermediaries must promptly take action, within 24 hours of receiving a complaint about electronically transmitted content involving impersonation, including digitally manipulated images of individuals, by removing or disabling access to such content.

These measures come in the wake of a recent controversy surrounding a deepfake video featuring actress Rashmika Mandhani.

GTA 6 To Break Cover…Finally

After years of leaks and rumours, the highly anticipated trailer for GTA 6, or Grand Theft Auto 6, is scheduled to release in December. Sam Houser, President of Rockstar Games, announced plans to share the first glimpse of GTA 6 during the festive season, sparking excitement among fans worldwide.

With a rich history spanning 25 years, the series has not only evolved but also received widespread critical acclaim, intensifying the anticipation among its dedicated fan base. The level of expectations for the upcoming release is soaring.

Tamil Nadu Online Poker, Rummy Ban Overturned

The recent ruling by the Madras High Court overturned the prohibition imposed by the Tamil Nadu government on online rummy and poker. Issued on Thursday, the decision garnered widespread approval from experts and online gaming associations. Analysts suggest that, beyond upholding the distinction between games of skill and chance, the ruling may strengthen the industry's position against Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices.

Payal Thaker, Partner in Indirect Tax at BDO India, highlighted that while the court's decision specifically addresses the regulation of online games in Tamil Nadu, it reinforces the Supreme Court's earlier distinction between skill-based and chance-based games.

According to Thaker, "This judgment will have a significant impact on how online gaming companies treat games of skill and chance for GST purposes. It will provide these companies with the means to enhance their defence against substantial GST demands issued for past periods."

WhatApp To ‘Channel’ Ads Soon

Meta's messaging platform, WhatsApp, is reportedly exploring the integration of advertisements within its Status and Channels features, while simultaneously developing new functionalities such as voice messaging and stickers. This strategic initiative is seen as an attempt to diversify revenue streams and enhance the overall user experience on the widely used messaging platform. 

Notably, the consideration for ads is confined to Status and Channels, resembling the Stories feature, with no plans to introduce them in the primary inbox, as clarified by Will Cathcart, WhatsApp's head, in an interview with Brazilian media. The focus, he emphasised, is on exploring advertising possibilities in specific sections of the messaging app rather than the primary inbox.

That’s it from the world of tech headlines this week. Stay tuned to this space for more top stories next week.

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