iWorld
Social media access can be blocked under specific conditions
NEW DELHI: The Government has said that Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000 provides for blocking access to information under specific conditions.
Answering a question about censoring new platforms for publication and broadcasting of media content like social networks and online video services, the minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore told the Parliament that the Act has provisions for removal of objectionable online content.
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) rules 2011 require that the Intermediaries shall observe due diligence while discharging their duties and shall inform the users of computer resources not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, update or share any information that is harmful, objectionable, affects minors and is unlawful in any way.
With regard to the use of social media by the Government, he said social media platforms are used to disseminate/ publicise information pertaining to Government policies and programmes.
The government has set up myGov as a social media platform for enabling greater people participation in matters relating to public policy.
Meanwhile, the ministry has categorically said it is not contemplating any regulatory framework for censorship of content appearing on the internet.
As far as OTT was concerned, sources in the ministry told indiantelevision.com that this was still a new subject, and the government would take action in the event of any complaints from viewers and subscribers.
At present, the government does not certify any programmes coming on television, but the sources reiterated that programming has to be in accordance with the guidelines of the Programme and Advertising Code apart from the Uplink and Downlink Guidelines.
The information and broadcasting ministry, sources said, has no control over films appearing online as this falls in the ambit of the IT Act which is administered by IT Ministry.
iWorld
Meta tests Instagram Plus with stealth features and extended story tools
New paid tier targets everyday users with more control and privacy perks
MUMBAI: Meta appears to be doubling down on subscriptions, quietly testing a new premium tier called Instagram Plus that brings a mix of privacy, control and visibility tools to everyday users of Instagram.
Unlike Meta Verified, which is geared towards creators and businesses, the new offering is aimed squarely at regular users who want a little more control over how they show up and what they see on the platform.
At the heart of Instagram Plus is a rethink of Stories, the app’s most widely used feature. The test introduces the ability to view Stories anonymously, meaning users can watch or preview content without appearing in the viewer list. It also adds “rewatch insights”, allowing users to see how many times their own Stories have been viewed, a metric that has long been a source of curiosity.
There is more. Stories can stay live for up to 48 hours instead of the usual 24, giving posts a longer shelf life. Users can also create multiple audience lists beyond “Close Friends”, making it easier to tailor content for different circles such as work, family or social groups.
For those chasing visibility, a weekly “Story Spotlight” feature lets users push a post to the front of their followers’ feed. Meanwhile, searchable viewer lists make it simpler to track who has seen a Story, and a new “superlike” reaction adds a more animated way to stand out in direct messages.
The feature set may feel familiar to some. Several of these tools have previously existed through third-party workarounds or have been widely requested by users, particularly the ability to browse Stories discreetly.
Pricing for the test is deliberately modest, suggesting a strategy focused on scale. Early trials show subscription costs at roughly $1 to $2 per month in markets such as the Philippines, Mexico and Japan. The feature has not yet rolled out in India, the United States or Europe, though a broader launch later in 2026 is widely expected if the pilot gains traction.
The move reflects a broader shift in Meta’s business model. With digital advertising facing increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny, subscription products offer a more predictable revenue stream. Rivals such as Snapchat Plus have already found success, building a sizeable paying user base with similar premium add-ons.
For Meta, the bet is simple: give users more control, a touch of stealth and a dash of exclusivity, and they may be willing to pay. If the early signs hold, Instagram Plus could turn everyday scrolling into a slightly more curated, and monetised, experience.
