iWorld
Rural India pips urban India in social media usage with 100% growth
MUMBAI: Internet and Mobile Association of India [IAMAI] and IMRB International report depicts 100 per cent growth in usage of social media in rural India during the last one year with 25 million users in rural India.
On the other hand, urban India registered a relatively lower growth of 35 per cent with the total number of users at 118 million as on April 2015. According to the report there are 143 million social media users in India as on April 2015.
The report also finds that the top four Metros continue to account for almost half of the social media users in urban India.
According to the latest report, the largest segment accessing social media consists of college going students with 34 per cent followed by young men at 27 per cent. School going children constitute 12 per cent of social media users. College going students and young men still form 60 per cent of the social media users in urban India.
The report further finds that 61 per cent of these users access social media on their mobile device. The fact that almost two thirds of the users are already accessing social media through their mobile is a promising sign. With the expected increase in mobile traffic the number of users accessing social media on mobile is only bound to increase.
The report further finds that 61 per cent of these users access social media on their mobile device. The fact that almost two thirds of the users are already accessing social media through their mobile is a promising sign. With the expected increase in mobile traffic the number of users accessing social media on mobile is only bound to increase.
According to the report, maintaining a profile on social networking sites is a top activity of users followed by updating status. On the other hand, commenting on a blog site is the third most popular activity among users in social networking sites.
iWorld
JioStar-backed crackdown busts illegal IPTV network, three arrested
Police seize Rs 20 lakh, expose piracy ring streaming IPL and OTT content
MUMBAI: A coordinated anti-piracy operation backed by JioStar India Private Limited has led to the arrest of three individuals linked to an organised illegal IPTV network streaming premium television and sports content, including matches from the TATA IPL 2026.
The crackdown was carried out by the Cyber Crime Police Firozabad, which uncovered a piracy syndicate operating under the name “BOS IPTV”. The accused were apprehended across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, signalling the multi-state footprint of the operation.
Investigators found that the network had built a user base of over 900 subscribers, distributing unauthorised streams of copyrighted content through digital platforms, including messaging apps. Authorities also traced structured financial transactions linked to the operation, with payments routed via QR codes, bank accounts and other digital methods.
As part of the enforcement action, law enforcement agencies seized several electronic devices and financial records. Around Rs 20 lakh connected to the accused has been frozen, highlighting the commercial scale of the piracy network.
The case follows an earlier crackdown on a large illegal IPTV operation and marks an expansion of efforts to dismantle connected nodes within the piracy ecosystem. Officials indicated that investigations are ongoing, with more links in the network under scrutiny.
The complaint, supported by JioStar India Private Limited, has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Copyright Act.
The development underscores growing collaboration between content owners and law enforcement agencies as India intensifies its fight against digital piracy. With high-value properties like the IPL in focus, the message is clear: the stream may be illegal, but the crackdown is very real.
