Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 introduces a new privacy-focused safety feature for FaceTime that automatically pauses both video and audio calls when nudity is detected on camera. This feature, discovered in the iOS 26 developer beta, is part of Apple’s expanded Communication Safety suite aimed primarily at protecting children from exposure to inappropriate content during live video chats. When nudity is detected, FaceTime freezes the call and displays a warning message, allowing users to either resume or end the call.

The nudity detection runs entirely on-device using advanced machine learning, ensuring that no images or videos are sent to Apple’s servers, thereby preserving user privacy. Although originally designed for child accounts as part of family safety tools announced at WWDC 2025, the feature currently appears active on all accounts in the beta version, including adults, which has sparked discussion about its broader application. Apple stresses that this local processing method keeps user data private while providing real-time protection against sensitive content during FaceTime calls.

Alongside this new safety measure, iOS 26 brings several other updates across the Apple ecosystem, including a new Liquid Glass design and enhancements to Messages, Wallet, and CarPlay. While the FaceTime nudity detection feature has not yet been confirmed for the final public release, its presence in the beta underscores Apple’s commitment to balancing user safety with privacy in an increasingly connected world. The full rollout later this year will clarify how widely the feature will be applied and whether users will have control over its activation

Zoho Corporation has won the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC), an initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aimed at promoting digital independence. Announced on March 20, 2025, the challenge sought to develop a secure, indigenous web browser as part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Challenge Overview

The IWBDC encouraged the creation of a homegrown web browser that complies with India’s data protection laws. Out of 434 registered teams, only eight reached the final stage, which involved three evaluation phases: ideation, prototype development, and productization.

Winners and Recognition

Zoho’s web browser, named Ulaa, won the top prize of ₹1 crore for its advanced security features and privacy-focused design. The name “Ulaa,” meaning “journey” in Tamil, signifies its mission to enhance online browsing experiences. Team PING and Team Ajna secured second and third places, winning ₹75 lakh and ₹50 lakh respectively. A special mention was awarded to “Jio Vishwakarma” for their innovative cross-platform design.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the challenge as a significant step toward establishing an indigenous digital ecosystem in India, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in technology.

Importance of an Indigenous Browser

The development of an Indian web browser is crucial for ensuring data security and compliance with national regulations. It aims to keep user data within India’s borders and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Future Prospects

The new browser is designed to be compatible with major operating systems like iOS, Windows, and Android, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users. This initiative reflects India’s growing technological capabilities and highlights the potential for innovation from smaller cities beyond traditional tech hubs.

Zoho’s success with Ulaa marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward digital self-reliance, as the government continues to support domestic innovation and empower local talent in shaping the future of technology.

Snapchat has introduced Sponsored Snaps in India, a new ad format that allows brands to send full-screen vertical video ads directly into users’ chat inboxes. Reliance Retail’s AJIO is the first Indian brand to adopt this format, leveraging Snapchat’s reach among Gen Z and Millennials for immersive storytelling and call-to-action campaigns.

What Are Sponsored Snaps?

Sponsored Snaps appear as unread messages in the Chat tab, offering users the option to open, reply, or click on embedded links. If left unopened, these ads disappear automatically. Introduced in the U.S. in October 2024, this format is designed to maximize engagement and visibility while maintaining user privacy by avoiding push notifications.

AJIO’s Role

AJIO is using Sponsored Snaps to promote its latest fashion collections. Arpan Biswas, Chief Marketing Officer at AJIO, highlighted the format’s ability to connect organically with digital-first consumers and foster deeper engagement with Snapchat’s active community.

Strategic Importance for Snapchat

India, with over 200 million monthly active users, is a key market for Snapchat’s growth. Neha Jolly Sawhney, Head of Ad Monetization for Snap India, emphasized that Sponsored Snaps align with Gen Z’s preference for visually rich content and offer brands an immersive way to interact with mobile-first audiences.

Future Prospects

Snapchat plans to enhance Sponsored Snaps with AI-driven features like personalized recommendations and direct transactions. This launch positions Snapchat as a strong competitor in India’s digital advertising space, challenging giants like Google and Meta.