iWorld
DocuBay signs strategic content integration deal with PatchWall on Mi TVs
MUMBAI: DocuBay, the premium global membership video-on-demand documentary platform by IN10 Media, today announced a significant content partnership with PatchWall on Mi TV, India’s number 1 Smart TV brand. DocuBay is now available as an integrated offering for all PatchWall users, featuring high-definition and 4K documentaries. Users can now subscribe to DocuBay’s OneTribe Membership (Yearly) worth INR 1499/- at flat 50% off on PatchWall and access its varied selection of finest documentaries, sourced from more than 100 countries.
DocuBay’s intuitive interface makes the discovery of films that suit each member’s preferences, through specially-curated categories called ‘Bays’ – Nature, Adventure, Travel, Culture, Science, Biography, and newly launched CrimeBay. Additionally, the platform offers short snackable clips called DocuBytes for a quick watch. With this new partnership, DocuBay plans to further strengthen its presence in India through millions of Mi TV’s users.
Commenting on the Content Integration, DocuBay VP-strategy D Girish said “DocuBay intends to take its premium content to viewers across their preferred platforms and offer an enviable experience. With our seamless interactive user interface, we are able to give easy access to our high-quality documentaries. Through our partnership with MiTV we hope to make further inroads to engage with new audiences and strengthen our OneTribe Community.”
Xiaomi India MiTV category lead Eshwar Nilakantan said, “With Mi TVs, our vision is to provide a unique interface for each user and this vision comes to life with our dedicated focus on building PatchWall for Mi TV. We are very excited to bring DocuBay onboard and add their unmatched array of documentaries for our over three million Patchwall users. In 2020, we will continue to work hard to build one of the most robust content libraries in India and provide a great content viewing experience to all our users.”
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.
