iWorld
Netflix launches improved parental controls for families
MUMBAI: Netflix, based on feedback from its members, has launched new, improved controls on its service to help parents, guardians and elders make the right viewing decisions for their families.
Parents can now:
● PIN protect individual profiles to prevent kids from using them;
● Tailor their kids’ Netflix experience by filtering out titles that are not appropriate for their age;
● Remove individual series or films by title. When this filter is used, the blocked title(s) won’t show up anywhere in that profile;
● Easily review each profile’s setting using the “Profile and Parental Controls” hub within account settings;
● See what their kids have been watching within the profile created for them; and
● Turn off auto play of episodes in kids profiles.
These controls can be added to the Netflix profile by going to account settings on a laptop or a mobile browser.
“Choice and control have always been important for our members, especially parents. We hope that these improved controls will help parents make the right choices for their families,” said Netflix kids product manager Michelle Parsons.
Recognising that every family is different and to give them more viewing choices, Netflix is investing in a wide variety of kids and family films and TV shows from all over the world, including award-winning animated films like Klaus, interactive shows like Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal and kids’ series such as Boss Baby. The Indian kids series Mighty Little Bheem is the most-watched preschool series on Netflix globally, and the second-most watched kids’ series for Netflix worldwide.
Since its launch in April 2019, Mighty Little Bheem has been watched by over 27 million households worldwide, including in Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. Netflix has also announced Ghee Happy, an animated show about Hindu deities who, as children, attend a special daycare and discover their own powers.
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.
