iWorld
Disney+ Hotstar unveils new content line-up in latest campaign
Mumbai: Riding the direct-to-digital movie release wave, streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar has launched a television campaign to promote its new content line-up.
The campaign announces all releases under the Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex banner within the next three-month window, including Ajay Devgn-starrer Bhuj: The Pride of India, Bhoot Police starring Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, and Hungama 2 starring Shilpa Shetty and Paresh Rawal among others.
The TVC, conceptualised by DDB Mudra, features actor Shakti Kapoor returning as the iconic ‘Crime Master Gogo’ after 25 years. He shares the screen with actors Shraddha Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor.
“Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex has built a library of both blockbuster and highly acclaimed films that have garnered a spectacular response from India’s movie-loving audiences,” said Disney+ Hotstar, executive vice president, Sidharth Shakdher. “Through our new marketing campaign, we are celebrating the success of our exclusive, made-for-the-big-screen movie releases on Multiplex, and announcing the upcoming blockbusters.”
Speaking on the campaign, Shakti Kapoor said, “Love and appreciation from audiences have kept my characters alive even after all these years, and I am happy to have recreated the Crime Master Gogo look for Disney+ Hotstar. Reliving those moments was made even more special because it was the first time that I got to share the screen with my daughter Shraddha. Back in the day, we could have never imagined that movies could be accessible to people at all times with just the touch of a button. But Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex has ensured that the latest movies reach audiences at home.”
iWorld
Meta warns 200 users after fake Whatsapp spyware attack
Italy-targeted campaign used unofficial app to deploy surveillance spyware.
MUMBAI: It looked like a message, but it behaved like a mole. Meta has warned around 200 users most of them in Italy after uncovering a targeted spyware campaign that weaponised a fake version of WhatsApp to infiltrate devices. The attack, first reported by Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, relied on classic social engineering with a modern twist: persuading users to download an unofficial WhatsApp clone embedded with surveillance software. The malicious application, believed to be developed by Italian firm SIO through its subsidiary ASIGINT, was designed to mimic the real app closely enough to bypass suspicion.
Meta’s security teams identified roughly 200 individuals who may have installed the compromised version, triggering immediate countermeasures. Affected users were logged out of their accounts and issued alerts warning of potential privacy breaches, with the company describing the incident as a “targeted social engineering attempt” aimed at gaining device-level access.
The malicious app was not distributed via official app stores but circulated through third-party channels, where it was presented as a legitimate WhatsApp alternative. Once installed, it reportedly allowed external operators to access sensitive data stored on the device turning a simple download into a potential surveillance gateway.
According to Techcrunch, Meta is now preparing legal action against the spyware developers to curb further misuse. The company, however, has not disclosed details about the specific individuals targeted or the extent of data compromised.
A Whatsapp spokesperson reiterated that user safety remains the top priority, particularly for those misled into installing the fake iOS application. Meanwhile, reports from La Repubblica suggest the spyware may be linked to “Spyrtacus”, a strain previously associated with Android-based attacks that could intercept calls, activate microphones and even access cameras.
The episode underscores a growing reality in the digital age, the threat is no longer just what you download, but where you download it from. As unofficial apps become increasingly convincing, the line between communication tool and covert surveillance is getting harder to spot and far easier to exploit.
