Social Media Apps

Instagram tests new 'Instants' app for one-time photo sharing: How it works

Instagram is testing a new "Instants" app that lets users share quick, unedited photos that disappear after one view, aiming to bring back more casual and real-time interactions

X introduces Grok AI-powered 'Custom Timelines' for personalised feeds

X has introduced Custom Timelines, allowing users to pin topics to their home feed, with Grok powering personalised content based on interests and activity, now in early access on iOS

Turkiye passes bill restricting social media access for children under 15

Turkish lawmakers passed a bill late Wednesday that includes restricting access to social media platforms for children under 15, state media reported. The legislation is the latest in a global trend to protect young people from dangerous online activity. Its passage comes a week after a 14-year-old boy killed nine students and a teacher at a middle school in Kahramanmaras, southern Turkiye, in a gun attack. Police are investigating the online activity of the perpetrator, who also died, in a bid to uncover his motivation for the attack. The bill will force social media platforms to install age-verification systems, provide parental control tools and require companies to rapidly respond to content deemed harmful, the state-run Anadolu news agency said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan must now accept the bill within 15 days for it to pass into law. He spoke in the wake of the Kahramanmaras killings of the need for to mitigate the online risks to children's safety and privacy.

XChat app to go live on April 25 for iPhone, iPad users: Check features

X is set to launch XChat, a standalone messaging app with encrypted chats, disappearing messages and large group support, moving beyond its existing in-app messaging system

Snapchat adds Place Loyalty on Snap Map to track visits and rank users

Snapchat has introduced Place Loyalty on Snap Map, a feature that tracks how often users visit places and ranks them into tiers, offering insights into frequent locations while keeping data private

Threads brings Live Chats for real-time group discussions: How it works

Threads has introduced Live Chats, letting users join public conversations during live events like sports and music releases, enabling real-time interaction instead of post-event reactions

Japan mulls social media age limits as global push for tighter curbs grows

Specific age thresholds were not discussed, with some experts noting that uniform age limits may not be the best approach given differences in risks associated with each platform

Quitting Facebook, Instagram? Study links deactivation to well being

A Stanford study suggests that quitting Facebook and Instagram, even briefly, can improve mental health and encourage better daily habits

Instagram now lets you edit comments without deleting them: How it works

Instagram now lets users edit comments within 15 minutes of posting, reducing the need to delete and repost for minor fixes, though the feature comes with some limitations

X brings back 'Voice Notes' to chats for private audio messages: What's new

X has brought back Voice Notes to X Chat, letting users send audio messages in private chats, as the platform continues testing standalone apps and updating its messaging features

Andhra Pradesh plans law to regulate children's social media access

State plans draft law to restrict social media access for children under 13 and introduce age-based controls, verification tools, and digital literacy initiatives

WhatsApp tests usernames to let users chat without sharing phone numbers

Reportedly, WhatsApp is testing usernames that let users chat without sharing phone numbers, improving privacy while making it easier to connect using unique handles instead of contacts

A debate unscrolled: India weighs social media curbs for children

The question of whether or not to ban or regulate social media for children and teenagers has no easy answers

Neuroscience explains why teens are so vulnerable to social media platforms

Landmark verdict intensifies calls for regulation amid concerns over addiction, depression and online harms among teenagers

WhatsApp is testing built-in noise cancellation for voice and video calls

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new noise cancellation feature in beta that reduces background sounds during calls, aiming to improve voice clarity for users in noisy environments

India records 65 internet shutdowns in 2025, among top globally: Report

Access Now report shows India continues to be among leading countries enforcing internet shutdowns, with 65 instances recorded during 2025

Meta tests Instagram Plus subscription with additional features: Report

Reportedly, Meta is testing Instagram Plus, a paid plan with features like anonymous Story viewing, custom audience lists, and Story boosts, as it explores new subscription-based revenue options

Best of BS Opinion: Iran conflict gives India a chance for energy reform

From the US-Iran conflict's global fallout to social media accountability, India's energy challenges and corporate law reforms, today's BS Opinion offers a wide-ranging policy perspective

Meta, Google lose landmark case. Are kids paying the mental health cost?

With Meta and Google found liable in a US case, experts warn addictive app design may worsen anxiety, depression and attention issues, especially among young users

How Meta, YouTube were found 'negligent' in social media addiction lawsuit

A Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta and YouTube were negligent in designing addictive platforms that harmed a young user, marking a landmark decision amid social media addiction concerns