iWorld
Telegram rolls out new features, adds group video calling
New Delhi: As its rival WhatsApp continues to be embroiled in a legal controversy with the government, Telegram has seized the moment to launch some new features for its users.
The messaging app has announced its latest update, which allows group video calls and screen sharing across all devices, tablets, and desktops. The update allows users to turn their camera on or share their screen during voice chats in groups – on all devices, including tablets and desktops, which can be used for online classes, business meetings, and family gatherings.
The Group Video Call feature is the third major voice chat update from Telegram in the last six months. The audio-only participants are unlimited, and video is currently available for the first 30 people who join the voice chat. However, this limit will increase soon as voice chats take on streaming games, live events, and more, it said in its blog post. “When you are using a desktop app, anyone who starts sharing their screen will be pinned automatically. This is especially useful when small teams meet to coordinate their work,” it added.
The app has also improved noise suppression on voice chats, for clear audio and a dedicated bot menu. There is also a new update that allows animated backgrounds, animated emojis and enables the import of customized third-party stickers as well. “These multi-colour gradient wallpapers are designed algorithmically and move with beautiful looking aesthetics every time users send a message. Telegram is offering this feature along with many default themes pre-installed,” it said in its blog post.
The app has also enhanced user security measures in its latest update. Users will now get login info reminders, which according to the company, is an essential feature that will keep a user’s phone number up to date on Telegram. “Android users will get these reminders in the next update, for now, they can simply update their phone number by tapping on it in Settings,” it said.
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.
