Internet-Tech-The Economic Times 
What is the WTO ecommerce moratorium: Everything you need to know
The ecommerce moratorium is a global agreement among World Trade Organisation members which bans customs duties being applied to electronic transmissions such as digital downloads and streaming. The policy was first adopted in 1998 at the WTO's Second Ministerial Conference in Geneva as part of a declaration to encourage early digital trade growth. It covers cross-border transmissions such as software downloads, e-books, music and movie streaming and video games.
British teenagers will test social media bans and time limits. This trial is part of government consultations on new online safety measures. Three hundred youngsters aged 13 to 17 will participate over six weeks. The government is seeking views from parents on potential restrictions. Australia has already prohibited social media for under 16s. Other countries are considering similar bans.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches AI skilling, citizen creator platform
India's Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched three major initiatives. These aim to strengthen the media and entertainment sector and promote the creative economy. A National AI Skilling initiative with Google and YouTube will train 15,000 youths. MyWAVES, a citizen creator platform, will empower content creators. Enhanced DD Free Dish access will improve broadcasting reach.
Micro dramas fastest-growing video segment, to hit $4.5 billion by 2030: Lumikai
Micro dramas are poised for significant growth, projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2030 with 31% annualised growth. This mobile-first content format is rapidly expanding in India's digital entertainment market, already reaching nearly $300 million in 2025.
Tencent integrates OpenClaw into WeChat for Chinese users
With this, users in China can now interact with WeixinClawBot as a built-in AI contact that can receive messages, respond, and possibly carry out tasks through chat. WeChat is known as Weixin in Chinese. Developed by Peter Steinberger, OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant designed to function as a proactive personal agent, linking AI models with users’ everyday applications. The tool has seen rapid global adoption, especially in China.
French prosecutors suspect Musk encouraged deepfakes row to inflate X value
French prosecutors said Saturday they had alerted US authorities to a suspicion that tech tycoon Elon Musk had encouraged controversy over sexualised deepfakes on X to "artificially" increase the value of his company. French authorities are already investigating X over allegations that its algorithm was used to interfere in French politics, as well as Grok's dissemination of Holocaust denials and the sexualised deepfakes.
Microsoft launches MAI-Image-2: here's all you need to know
Microsoft has unveiled MAI-Image-2, its new text-to-image AI model. This tool aims to boost creative workflows with enhanced photorealism and accurate text generation. It promises natural lighting and detailed scenes, reducing post-production needs. MAI-Image-2 is now available for preview and will soon be integrated into Copilot and Bing Image Creator.
Germany to crack down on sexualised deepfakes
Germany is set to criminalise the creation and sharing of sexualised deepfakes. This move follows serious accusations by TV personality Collien Fernandes against her former husband. She alleges he spread AI-generated pornographic images of her online. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig stated perpetrators will face prosecution. Police will gain enhanced powers to investigate.
Crypto exchange Kraken freezes IPO plans, CoinDesk reports
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has put its multibillion-dollar IPO plans on hold. The company is waiting for market conditions to improve before proceeding. Kraken had confidentially filed for a US IPO in November 2025 and was expected to go public in early 2026. The firm has recently expanded its offerings to include equities with commission-free trading.
Govt sets up strategic partnerships with global tech companies for IICT
India is boosting its creative technology sector. The government has partnered with global tech firms to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies. This initiative aims to enhance skills and foster innovation in animation, VFX, gaming, and more. The WAVES Bazaar platform will connect Indian creators with global markets.
Digital streaming boosts global music revenues once again in 2025: Report
Global music revenues hit $31.7 billion in 2025, marking 11 years of growth. Paid streaming services led this surge, with over 837 million users. Physical formats also saw a comeback, with vinyl sales increasing. Record companies are exploring AI partnerships. Taylor Swift was named the top global artist for 2025.
China calls latest EU cyber sanctions 'unlawful'
Beijing condemned new European Union sanctions against two Chinese tech companies over alleged cyberattacks as "unlawful" on Tuesday, urging Brussels to "rectify its erroneous practices". "China firmly opposes the EU's unlawful, unilateral sanctions against Chinese entities and urges the EU to rectify its erroneous practices," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news briefing.
Swiss technology firm Centiel plans to go public in April
Swiss technology firm Centiel is set to list on the Swiss stock exchange in mid-April. It will merge with HT5, a company already listed there. The combined entity, Centiel AG, will focus on manufacturing uninterruptible power supply systems. This move aims for a market capitalisation of 166 million Swiss francs. Investors can acquire new and founder shares.
Flipkart calls Re 1 milk offer a limited promotion after Bamul moves CCI
The Walmart-backed ecommerce platform clarified that it runs promotional offers periodically on select products on its marketplace and remains committed to working with farmers, cooperatives and sellers across India to expand market access and support their growth. Bamul president DK Suresh, the younger brother of Karnataka’s deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, alleged that Flipkart was selling milk at Re 1 per litre through investor-funded discount campaigns, a practice that undermined the dignity of farmers and the cooperative movement built over decades.
AI fakes about Iran-US war swirl on X despite policy crackdown
AI-created videos circulating on Elon Musk's X depict American soldiers captured by Iran, an Israeli city in ruins, and US embassies ablaze - a surge of lifelike deepfakes despite a policy crackdown to curb wartime disinformation. They include AI videos depicting a tearful American soldier inside a bombed-out embassy, captured US troops on their knees beside Iranian flags, and a destroyed US navy fleet.