The Biden administration is exploring ways to keep TikTok accessible in the United States even as a ban is set to take effect on Sunday, NBC News reported late on Wednesday, citing three people familiar with the discussions.
The White House and Tiktok U.S. didn’t immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comments. Reuters
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Thursday admitted the appeals filed by Meta Platforms and WhatsApp challenging the ₹213.14 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 privacy policy. The Tribunal has now scheduled a detailed hearing on Meta’s plea for an interim stay on the CCI’s order on January 23, 2025.
At today’s hearing, Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi, representing Meta, urged the Tribunal to grant an immediate stay, arguing that the CCI’s order is not only excessive but also encroaches upon matters pending before the Supreme Court of India.
They contended that WhatsApp’s data-sharing mechanism is already under judicial scrutiny, and enforcing the CCI’s directive could disrupt business operations and impact millions of users in India. However, the NCLAT refused to grant an immediate stay and instead fixed January 23 as the next date for arguments on interim relief.
Background: The case against WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy
In November 2024, the CCI imposed a ₹213.14 crore penalty on Meta and WhatsApp, citing abuse of dominant position in the instant messaging market. The regulator found that WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update forced users to accept new terms that mandated data sharing with Meta’s other businesses (such as Facebook and Instagram), without offering a clear opt-out mechanism.
The CCI ruled that this was a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ policy, coercing users to accept unfair terms to continue using the service. In addition to the monetary penalty, the regulator ordered WhatsApp to halt its data-sharing practices for the next five years and directed the company to offer users more transparent choices regarding their data.
Meta, however, has strongly opposed the CCI’s findings, arguing that the regulator has exceeded its jurisdiction by interfering in what is essentially a privacy-related matter, which should be decided under India’s data protection laws, not competition law.
Meta’s argument: CCI order ‘premature’ amid ongoing Supreme Court review
At today’s NCLAT hearing, Meta’s lawyers stressed that the privacy policy issue is already being reviewed by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, which is examining broader concerns around data privacy, consent, and WhatsApp’s business model in India.
Meta further contended that India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), which is set to take full effect by mid-2025, will govern data-sharing practices moving forward. Any enforcement of the CCI’s penalty now, they argued, would prejudge the matter and interfere with the upcoming regulatory framework.
“The DPDPA will provide a structured mechanism for handling such privacy issues. Until the framework is fully operational, applying competition law to penalize WhatsApp is both excessive and unnecessary,” Meta’s legal team submitted before the NCLAT.
What’s next? NCLAT to decide on interim relief on January 23
The NCLAT, after hearing Meta’s preliminary arguments, declined to grant an immediate stay on the CCI’s penalty and data-sharing ban. However, it agreed to conduct a detailed hearing on the interim relief plea on January 23.
Legal experts believe that if NCLAT grants a stay on the CCI’s penalty and restrictions, it would provide a major reprieve to Meta and WhatsApp. However, if the Tribunal refuses to suspend the order, the companies may have to seek urgent relief from the Supreme Court.
Wider implications: A global regulatory battle for Meta
This case is being closely watched, as it aligns with Meta’s global regulatory battles over data privacy and competition concerns. Across the EU, the US, and India, regulators have been tightening scrutiny on Big Tech’s data-sharing practices.
In India, this case is particularly significant because it tests the boundaries of competition law in regulating digital platforms. If upheld, the CCI’s order could set a precedent for future cases involving data-driven business models.
For now, Meta and WhatsApp are fighting a two-front legal battle—one at the Supreme Court on privacy concerns and another at the NCLAT over competition law violations. With the next crucial hearing set for January 23, the stage is set for a landmark decision on how India regulates Big Tech’s control over user data, competition law observers said. The Hindu BusinessLine
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. received a letter of acceptance from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. for the development of the middle-mile network of Bharat Net on design, build, operate and maintain model, according to an exchange filing on Wednesday.
The development involves creation, upgradation and operation and maintenance. The deal is for the broad consideration of Rs 3,622 crore.
The time period by which the contract is to be executed is three years for construction and 10 years of maintenance contract at 5.5% per annum of capex for the first five years. And 6.5% per annum of capex for the next five years.
RVNL reported a 27% decline in consolidated net profit for the second quarter of the current financial year, falling short of analysts’ expectations.
The company’s net profit stood at Rs 286.9 crore for the quarter ended September, compared to Rs 394.4 crore in the same period last year. This figure was below the Rs 356-crore profit projected by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.
Revenue from operations also dipped slightly, decreasing by 1.2% to approximately Rs 4,855 crore during the July–September period, compared to Rs 4,914.3 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Shares of RVNL rose as much as 2,72% during the day to Rs 387 apiece on the National Stock Exchange. It closed 1.29% lower at Rs 371.90 per share, compared to a 0.16% advance in the benchmark Nifty. The share price has risen 68.55% in the last 12 months.
One out of the three analysts tracking the company has a ‘buy’ rating on the stock, one suggests ‘hold’ and another recommends ‘sell’, according to Bloomberg data. The average of 12-month analysts’ price targets implies a potential downside of 32.5%. NDTV Profit
Indian firms in the electronics, solar, and electric vehicle (EV) sectors are experiencing delays and disruptions due to China’s restrictions on export of key inputs and machinery, economic think tank GTRI.
It said the curbs could be China’s response to India’s restrictions on Chinese investments and visas.
“This also signals deeper geopolitical tensions and trade war. We hope India-specific restrictions go away soon as they will also hurt China,” Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) Founder Ajay Srivastava said.
He added that while these measures impact India’s electronics, solar, and EV sectors, they are also harmful to China’s own manufacturing and exports.
“Indian firms in electronics, solar, and EV sectors are facing delays and disruptions as China blocks exports of inputs and machinery,” it said.
India must stay firm against unreasonable demands from China and focus on building local manufacturing capabilities and diversifying supply chains, he said.
Srivastava said India is particularly vulnerable to China’s export restrictions, as many of its industries depend on Chinese machinery, intermediate goods, and components.
India’s imports from China increased to USD 101.73 billion in 2023-24 from USD 98.5 billion in 2022-23. In 2020, the government made it mandatory for countries sharing land borders with India to seek its approval for investments in any sector.
Most countries, including ASEAN members, use Chinese inputs to manufacture final products for domestic use and exports.
“India must also strengthen partnerships with Japan and South Korea to source high-quality components for electronics, solar panels, and EVs. Engaging with these countries will help India cut reliance on China and build more resilient supply chains,” he added.
With US President-elect Donald Trump likely to introduce new tariffs on China, Beijing has imposed export curbs on critical minerals and high-tech equipment.
In 2024, China’s merchandise exports reached $3.6 trillion, with a trade surplus of $992 billion.
This highlights that despite the US efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese goods, China remains a key player in global supply chains, the think tank said.
China plays a pivotal role in supplying raw materials and intermediate goods to countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and ASEAN, which process them into finished products and export them to the US.
It added that China’s current export restrictions are part of its broader strategy to retaliate against US sanctions on Chinese tech firms.
Key actions taken by China include imposing controls on gallium and germanium exports in August 2023, which are vital for solar cell production.
In December 2024, China banned exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony, critical for semiconductors and defence technologies, specifically targeting the US for the first time in retaliation to Biden administration measures that restricted chip-making equipment exports and blacklisted 140 Chinese firms, it added.
In January 2025, China proposed adding lithium extraction and battery cathode technologies to its controlled export list, which are crucial for EV battery manufacturing. PTI
The Kerala High Court has directed the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to file a statement on the progress of the investigation into the financial scam in the BSNL Engineers’ Cooperative Society.
The January 10 direction came on a petition filed by N.A. Abraham, convener of the BSNL Society Depositors’ Forum, and Surendran Nair K.
The court directed the deputy director, Enforcement Directorate (Kochi office), to file a statement concerning the present stage of investigation. The case is being taken up next on January 27.
The Kerala High Court has directed the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to file a statement on the progress of the investigation into the financial scam in the BSNL Engineers’ Cooperative Society.
The January 10 direction came on a petition filed by N.A. Abraham, convener of the BSNL Society Depositors’ Forum, and Surendran Nair K.
The court directed the deputy director, Enforcement Directorate (Kochi office), to file a statement concerning the present stage of investigation. The case is being taken up next on January 27.
The petitioners wanted the court to direct the ED to launch prosecution measures against the accused (past office-bearers of the society) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Mr. Abraham and Mr. Surendran Nair, who are over 70 years old, also urged the court to direct the Enforcement Directorate to hold its camp sittings in Thiruvananthapuram considering the advanced age of the depositors.
The case pertains to the embezzlement of depositors’ money to the tune of ₹260 crore in the BSNL Engineers’ Cooperative Society. Several hundreds of depositors, the vast majority of whom are in the 65-85 age group, who had invested in deposit schemes offered by the society, were cheated of their life savings, according to multiple complaints lodged with the police and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies. The Hindu
The ‘Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Satellite Television Channels in India, 2022’ issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), containing the terms and conditions for TV broadcasting services, make it mandatory for the broadcasters to use satellite medium for providing their channels to the Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs).
The advancement of technology has made it feasible for broadcasters to provide their television channels to DPOs terrestrially also, i.e., using terrestrial communication technologies like wireline (e.g., cable/fiber, etc.) or wireless (e.g., cellular/microwave/Wi-Fi, etc.),/internet/cloud. The terrestrially transmitted channels can simultaneously be carried to multiple DPO networks for re-transmission.
Considering these developments, it is essential to establish an enabling framework to ensure that service providers can fully leverage technological advancements.
MIB, vide its letter dated May 22, 2024, has sought recommendations of TRAI on “Regulatory Framework for Ground Based Broadcasters” under Section 11(1)(a) of TRAI Act, 1997.
Accordingly, TRAI issued a Consultation Paper titled ‘Regulatory Framework for Ground-based Broadcasters’ on 18th October 2024. The comments and counter comments received in the consultation process are available on TRAI’s website. As part of the consultation process, Open House Discussion (OHD) was held on 20th December 2024.
Based on the comments, counter-comments received, inputs gathered during OHD, and its own analysis, TRAI has finalized the Recommendations on ‘Regulatory framework for Ground-based Broadcasters’.
Salient points of the recommendations are given below:
BCS Bureau
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed rationalizing broadband tariffs for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme to overcome barriers to public Wi-Fi hotspot growth and ensure affordable nationwide connectivity.
The regulator highlighted that the proliferation of the PM-WANI scheme was significantly below the envisaged targets. One reason for this low proliferation was the high cost of backhaul internet connectivity charged by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). It was also stated that TSPs and ISPs often required Public Data Offices (PDOs) to connect public Wi-Fi access points using expensive internet leased lines under the guise of commercial agreements.
In its revised draft Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025, TRAI prescribed that the broadband tariff (FTTH) for PDOs under the PM-WANI scheme should not exceed twice the tariff applicable for retail broadband (FTTH) services of corresponding capacity offered by service providers.
This proposal aims to support the effective proliferation of PM-WANI hotspots and foster a sustainable ecosystem that ensures a balanced relationship between PDOs and service providers. This initiative aims to contribute to the broader objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, and Bharat 6G Vision, which targets the deployment of 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030.
The draft amendment has been placed on TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in). Stakeholders are requested to provide their written comments by January 31, 2025, and counter-comments by February 7, 2025.
TheNewsBit Bureau
The global Supply Chain Security Market will grow to USD 5.14 billion by 2030 from USD 2.52 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 12.6% during 2024- 2030, according to Markets and Markets.
The major drivers of the market growth of the Supply Chain Security Market are the rising frequency of cyberattacks, data breaches, and disruptions across global supply chains. For instance, we have observed that industries such as logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and retail are experiencing growing threats to data integrity and operational continuity. In addition to this, adoption of blockchain technology for supply chain security is growing due to its decentralized, transparent, and tamper-proof ledger capabilities. This facilitates real-time tracking, authentication of the goods, and anomaly detection against security risks.
With blockchain and IoT integration, companies can assure traceability of shipments, prevent unauthorized access, and enhance network visibility. Further, advanced technologies such as AI and predictive analytics enable advanced proactive identification of vulnerabilities thus reducing downtime and financial loss. For example, a smart system in modern warehouse supports automated risk management and ensures strict data localization and privacy regulations. Also, advanced digital infrastructure in urban areas enhances adoption thereby ensuring secure streamlined operations.
Based on the organization size, SMEs are expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are likely to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to higher adoption of digital solution and growing exposure to security threats. The greater incorporation of SMEs in the global supply chains imposes increased pressure on them to comply with regulations, protect sensitive information, and handle emerging problems such as cyberattacks, counterfeiting, and disruptions. Apart from this, affordable cloud-based solutions and cheaper security technologies have made it possible for SMEs to use highly complex solutions such as real-time monitoring, threat detection, and end-to-end visibility without having to make hefty infrastructure investments. SMEs have begun using technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and AI-driven analytics for maximum efficiency and low exposure to risk. Additionally, priorities like logistics security, data governance and traceability, have all gained precedence in a modern world highly reliant on ecommerce and foreign trade. Further, government encouragement towards the SME digitalisation encourages SMEs to adopt supply chain security solutions so that they can compete effectively in international competitions.
By Security type, Data Locality & Protection will grow at the highest market size during the forecast period.
With a rise in data sovereignty concerns, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks, the data locality & protection segment will dominate the Supply Chain Security Market. Since organisations are increasingly adopting supply chains globally, governments are implementing stronger laws on data localisation, where sensitive data should be within the national borders. The need to safeguard against data breaches, observe regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, and also protect intellectual property makes a case for this change. With the increasing cyberattacks against supply chains, the flow of information across interlinked systems requires advanced protection. Businesses also employ cloud solutions with local infrastructure to reduce latency and provide security. All these factors drive the demand for robust data locality and protection strategies, hence making it the segment with largest market size.
By region, North America will grow at the highest market size during the forecast period.
North America is expected to grow at the highest market size in the Supply Chain Security Market during the forecast period because of its advanced technological infrastructure, stringent regulatory framework, and increasing cybersecurity threats. The region houses major economies like the United States and Canada, which are at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and AI for supply chain visibility and security. This also includes North America, whose strict compliance requirements, CISA regulations, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework propel organisations to invest heavily in solutions for supply chain security.
The increasing number of cyberattacks, especially ransomware, and breaches in critical supply chain networks have led industries in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail to enhance their defenses. Furthermore, government initiatives in the form of Biden’s Executive Order on Supply Chain Resilience heighten supply chain security. With vigorous adoption of cloud-based solutions, increasing digitalization, and vendor presence, North America is expected to lead this market. Markets and Markets
Indonesia will impose interim child protection guidelines on social media companies while the government carves out a law to set a minimum age for users of the platforms, a senior communications ministry official said on Wednesday.
On Monday, communications minister Meutya Hafid said the government planned to issue a regulation to set a minimum age for social media users, after discussing the proposal to protect children online with President Prabowo Subianto.
The plan follows Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media, with fines for tech giants from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta to TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, if they failed to prevent children from accessing their platforms.
“What the minister means is that the government is headed for the direction of a stronger regulation on age limit, which is through the formation of a law,” Alexander Sabar, a senior official at the communications and digital ministry, told Reuters.
In the meantime, the government will issue a regulation for digital platforms, including social media companies, to adhere to child protection guidelines, he said, without providing details.
“The emphasis for the government regulation is child protection — how they are protected from physical, mental, or moral perils,” he said, adding the regulation would not totally limit children’s access to social media.
Meta and TikTok did not respond to requests for comment.
Nurmayanti, a 46-year-old mother of three who goes by one name, said she agreed with the plan to curtail social media content, particularly content promoting pornography or discrimination.
“They now can freely open social media so that is concerning to us as parents,” she said, adding the law must be strict and clear.
However, Anis Hidayah, a commissioner at Indonesia’s main human rights body, said that limiting the internet for children was important but the government must be careful to not curb their right to information.
Nearly 50% of children under 12 in tech-savvy Indonesia use the internet with some respondents of that age group using Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, according to a survey by the Indonesia internet service providers’ association. Reuters
In Russia, users of telecom operators and services have reported issues with their operations. Problems are also observed with Telegram, Tiktok, and Google, according to Meduza.
Reports indicate outages affecting users of Beeline, MegaFon, MTS, Rostelecom, and Tele2. Additionally, issues have been reported with Telegram, TikTok, Google, YouTube, Steam, and Twitch.
According to Roskomnadzor, they are unaware of the cause of the large-scale outage in the Runet.
“Disruptions are being recorded across all operators, and the cause of the failure is being determined,” the agency’s press service stated.
Earlier, we reported that cyber specialists from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence targeted services within Russia’s oil sector. The primary target was the resources of the Lukoil oil company, which plays an active role in supporting Russia’s forces. News Ukraine