Google's Evolving Approach to User Privacy on Location Data

Over The Top (OTT)

OTT messaging platforms have taken the world by storm; everyone across the globe is working on OTT platforms, and they have changed the dynamics of accessibility and information speed forever. Whatsapp is one of the leading OTT messaging platforms under the tech giant Meta as of 2013. All tasks, whether personal or professional, can be performed over Whatsapp, and as of today, Whatsapp has 2.44 billion users worldwide, with 487.5 Million users in India alone^[1]. With such a vast user base, it is pertinent to have proper safety and security measures and mechanisms on these platforms and active reporting options for the users. The growth of OTT platforms has been exponential in the previous decade. As internet penetration increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, the following factors contributed towards the growth of OTT platforms –

• Urbanisation and Westernisation
• Access to Digital Services
• Media Democratization
• Convenience
• Increased Internet Penetration

These factors have been influential in providing exceptional content and services to the  consumers, and extensive internet connectivity has allowed people from the remotest part of the country to use OTT messaging platforms. But it is pertinent to maintain user safety and security by the platforms and abide by the policies and regulations to maintain accountability and transparency.

New Safety Features

Keeping in mind the safety requirements and threats coming with emerging technologies, Whatsapp has been crucial in taking out new technology and policy-based security measures. A number of new security features have been added to WhatsApp to make it more difficult to take control of other people’s accounts. The app’s privacy and security-focused features go beyond its assertion that online chats and discussions should be as private and secure as in-person interactions. Numerous technological advancements pertaining to that goal have focussed on message security, such as adding end-to-end encryption to conversations. The new features allegedly increase user security on the app.

WhatsApp announced that three new security features are now available to all users on Android and iOS devices. The new security features are called Account Protect, Device Verification, and Automatic Security Codes

• For instance, a new programme named “Account Protect” will start when users migrate an account from an old device to a new one. If users receive an unexpected alert, it may be a sign that someone is trying to access their account without their knowledge. Users may see an alert on their previous handset asking them to confirm that they are truly transitioning away from it.
• To make sure that users cannot install malware to access other people’s messages, another function called “Device Verification” operates in the background. Without the user’s knowledge, this feature authenticates devices in the background. In particular, WhatsApp claims it is concerned about unlicensed WhatsApp applications that contain spyware made explicitly for this use. Users do not need to take any action due to the company’s new checks that help authenticate user accounts to prevent this.
• The final feature is dubbed “automatic security codes,” It builds on an already-existing service that lets users verify that they are speaking with the person they believe they are. This is still done manually, but by default, an automated version will be carried out with the addition of a tool to determine whether the connection is secure.

While users can now view the code by visiting a user’s profile, the social media platform will start to develop a concept called “Key Transparency” to make it easier for its users to verify the validity of the code. Update to the most recent build if you use WhatsApp on Android because these features have already been released. If you use iOS, the security features have not yet been released, although an update is anticipated soon.

Conclusion

Digital safety is a crucial matter for netizens across the world; platforms like Whatsapp, which enjoy a massive user base, should lead the way in terms of OTT platforms’ cyber security by inculcating the use of emerging technologies, user reporting, and transparency in the principles and also encourage other platforms to replicate their security mechanisms to keep bad actors at bay. Account Protect, Device Verification, and Automatic Security Codes will go a long way in protecting the user’s interests while simultaneously maintaining convenience, thus showing us that the future with such platforms is bright and secure.

^[1] https://verloop.io/blog/whatsapp-statistics-2023/#:~:text=1.,over%202.44%20billion%20users%20worldwide.

Executive Summary:

The picture that went viral with the false story that Dhoni was supporting the Congress party, actually shows his joy over Chennai Super Kings' victory in the achievement of 6 million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) in 2020. Dhoni's gesture was misinterpreted by many, which resulted in the spread of false information. The Research team of CyberPeace did an in-depth investigation of the photo's roots and confirmed its authenticity through a reverse image search, highlighting how news outlets and CSK's official social media channels shared it. The case illustrates the value of fact verification and the role of real information in preventing the fake news epidemic.

Claims:

An image of former Indian Cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, showed him urging people to vote for the Congress party,  wearing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey and showing his right palm visible and gesturing the number 'one' with his left index finger. In reality he is celebrating Chennai Super Kings' milestone achievement on X (formerly Twitter) in 2020. Many people are sharing the misinterpretation knowingly or unknowingly over social media platforms.

Fact Check:

After receiving the post, we ran a reverse image search of the image and found a news article published by NDTV. According to the news outlet, Dhoni and his teammates were celebrating CSK's milestone of reaching six million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) in the photos.

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In the image it is written as a tweet of @chennaiipl, to get an idea we dig into the official account of Chennai Super Kings on X (formerly known as Twitter). And Voila! we found the exact post which surfaced on the X (formerly known as Twitter) on 5th October 2020.

Additionally, we found a video posted on the X (formerly known as Twitter) handle of CSK, featuring other cricketers celebrating the Six Million Followers milestone for which they are thanking the audience for their support. Again, it was posted on Oct 05, 2020. The caption of the video is written as “Chennai Super #SixerOnTwitter! A big thanks to all the super fans for each and every bouquet and brickbat throughout the last decade. All the #yellove to you. #WhistlePodu”

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Therefore it is easy to conclude that the viral image of MS Dhoni supporting Congress is wrong and misleading.

Conclusion:

The information that circulated online media regarding a picture of Mahendra Singh Dhoni supporting the Congress Party has been proven to be untrue. The actual photograph was of Dhoni congratulating the Chennai Super Kings for having six million followers on social media in the year 2020. This highlights the need for checking the facts of any news circulating online.

• Claim: A photo allegedly depicting former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni encouraging people to support the Congress party in elections surfaced online.
• Claimed on: X (Formerly known as Twitter) 
• Fact Check: Fake & Misleading

Introduction

Deepfake have become a source of worry in an age of advanced technology, particularly when they include the manipulation of public personalities for deceitful reasons. A deepfake video of cricket star Sachin Tendulkar advertising a gaming app recently went popular on social media, causing the sports figure to deliver a warning against the widespread misuse of technology.

Scenario of Deepfake

Sachin Tendulkar appeared in the deepfake video supporting a game app called Skyward Aviator Quest. The app's startling quality has caused some viewers to assume that the cricket legend is truly supporting it. Tendulkar, on the other hand, has resorted to social media to emphasise that these videos are phony, highlighting the troubling trend of technology being abused for deceitful ends.

Tendulkar's Reaction

Sachin Tendulkar expressed his worry about the exploitation of technology and advised people to report such videos, advertising, and applications that spread disinformation. This event emphasises the importance of raising knowledge and vigilance about the legitimacy of material circulated on social media platforms.

The Warning Signs

The deepfake video raises questions not just for its lifelike representation of Tendulkar, but also for the material it advocates. Endorsing gaming software that purports to help individuals make money is a significant red flag, especially when such endorsements come from well-known figures. This underscores the possibility of deepfakes being utilised for financial benefit, as well as the significance of examining information that appears to be too good to be true.

How to Protect Yourself Against Deepfakes

As deepfake technology advances, it is critical to be aware of potential signals of manipulation. Here are some pointers to help you spot deepfake videos:

• Look for artificial facial movements and expressions, as well as lip sync difficulties.
• Body motions and Posture: Take note of any uncomfortable body motions or discrepancies in the individual's posture.
• Lip Sync and Audio Quality: Look for mismatches between the audio and lip motions.
• background and Content: Consider the video's background, especially if it has a popular figure supporting something in an unexpected way.
• Verify the legitimacy of the video by verifying the official channels or accounts of the prominent person.

Conclusion 

The popularity of deepfake videos endangers the legitimacy of social media material. Sachin Tendulkar's response to the deepfake in which he appears serves as a warning to consumers to remain careful and report questionable material. As technology advances, it is critical that individuals and authorities collaborate to counteract the exploitation of AI-generated material and safeguard the integrity of online information.

Reference 

• https://www.news18.com/tech/sachin-tendulkar-disturbed-by-his-new-deepfake-video-wants-swift-action-8740846.html 
• https://www.livemint.com/news/india/sachin-tendulkar-becomes-latest-victim-of-deepfake-video-disturbing-to-see-11705308366864.html 

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