iWorld
International Conference of Telecom Regulators begins in New Delhi
Mumbai: Minister of state for communications, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani inaugurates the International Conference of Telecom Regulators, setting the stage for pivotal discussions on the future of telecom regulation. The one-day conference, organised by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), takes place alongside the ITU World Telecom Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24) and India Mobile Congress (IMC-24), bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers, and technology partners in New Delhi.
Pemmasani emphasises the rapid growth of India’s ICT sector, particularly the swift deployment of 5G services and the widespread adoption of digital technologies. “The growth of the digital economy and a favourable regulatory environment have played significant roles in this transformation,” he states.
The event also features remarks from prominent industry figures, including International Telecommunication Union (ITU), secretary-general, Doreen Bogdan-Martin and GSMA, director-general, Mats Granryd. TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti notes TRAI’s active participation in global telecom forums such as ITU and regional organisations like APT, SATRC, and ASEAN.
In a message read by TRAI secretary Atul K. Chaudhary, minister of communications Jyotiraditya Scindia highlights the role of regulators in protecting consumer interests while adapting to evolving technologies. He urges regulators to “craft frameworks for OTT communication” and explore the potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) in expanding communication capabilities to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The conference focuses on “Emerging Trends in Regulation,” covering critical topics such as regulatory perspectives in standardisation, satellite communication, and OTT communication services.
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.
