iWorld
Eros International enters into a strategic collaboration with Epic Games
MUMBAI: Eros International has entered into a strategic collaboration with EpicGames related to Eros’s use of Epic’s Unreal Engine across the production slate, paving the way for real-time technology throughout Indian entertainment. Epic Games are also creators of one of the biggest games in the world ‘Fortnite’.
The use of Unreal Engine will help in accelerating production efficiencies using real-timerendering technology, eliminating physical production restrictions on set during shoot andpostproduction. The collaboration will assist Eros in pushing the envelope of high-quality pre-visualization, virtual production, and in-camera visual effects that take the post out of production. Additionally, the strategic human resource investment into the collaboration will result in support for the growth and development of Eros's talent pool.
Traditionally used in games, Unreal Engine is ushering in a new era of storytelling across media, becoming integral in the production of episodic animation, live-action blockbusters, and short- form content, and more. The advanced real-time rendering capability of Unreal Engine provides filmmakers with the power to optimize their production pipelines, receive immediate feedback on their work, and make changes to visual assets.
Commenting on the alliance, Eros Group chief content officer Ridhima Lulla said, “We are extremely excited to collaborate with Epic games to further popularize real-time production to India through Unreal Engine. Eros is innovative by nature, and with Unreal Engine, we can bring in better cost efficiency for all our film and television projects across the globe.”
“As key figures in Bollywood production, we are excited to support Eros as they help to spearhead virtual production in India,” said Quentin Staes-Pole, GM SEA/India at Epic Games. “Real-time technology presents a huge opportunity to transform storytelling and the art of filmmaking for creators around the world, enabling new creative horizons and lifting quality, while reducing costs and time to market.”
Eros recently received an Epic MegaGrant, which will be utilized to fund an array of projects currently under development, broadening efforts to take Indian stories worldwide.
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.
