BusinessStartupsTechnology

BlaBlaCar’s India Comeback Makes It Company’s Largest Market

BlaBlaCar’s Indian user base has skyrocketed from 4.3 million in 2022 to a projected 20 million this year, making it the company’s largest market globally. The turnaround comes seven years after the French carpooling platform shut its local office following poor traction against Uber and Ola.

From Exit to Expansion

In what industry analysts are calling one of tech’s most surprising comebacks, French carpooling platform BlaBlaCar has quietly transformed India from a market it once abandoned into its largest user base worldwide. According to recent reports, the company projects 20 million passengers in India this year—nearly a 50% jump from 2023 figures and enough to surpass established markets like Brazil and France.

BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Meta to Shutter Messenger Desktop Apps, Shifts Users to Web

Meta Platforms is sunsetting its dedicated Messenger applications for desktop operating systems, according to recent reports. Users will lose access to the standalone apps after a 60-day transition period, with all desktop traffic being redirected to web-based alternatives starting December 15.

Meta is pulling the plug on its dedicated Messenger applications for Windows and Mac computers, sources familiar with the company’s plans indicate. The move signals a significant shift in how users will access the messaging platform on desktop devices, with the tech giant apparently consolidating its development efforts around mobile and web-based experiences.

The Countdown Begins

BusinessCybersecuritySoftware

1Password Subscription Discounted to $36 Annually in Security Promotion

Password management service 1Password is reportedly offering annual subscriptions starting at just $36 for individual users. The promotion comes as security experts emphasize the importance of strong, unique passwords for online protection across multiple platforms and services.

Password Management Service Offers Discounted Annual Plans

Security-conscious consumers can reportedly secure their digital accounts with 1Password at a reduced annual rate of $36 for individual users, according to recent industry reports. The password management service, which security analysts suggest helps users maintain strong, unique passwords across multiple platforms, is also offering family plans at $60 annually covering up to five users.

BusinessCybersecuritySoftware

Apple Removes Women’s Safety Dating App Over Privacy and Moderation Failures

Apple has removed the women’s dating safety app Tea from its App Store after multiple privacy breaches and failure to implement required content moderation. The app, which promised user anonymity, faced lawsuits over exposed personal data including sensitive conversations and identity documents.

App Store Removal Following Guideline Violations

Apple has removed the controversial women’s dating safety application Tea from the App Store after the app repeatedly failed to meet platform requirements for content moderation and user privacy protection, according to reports from 404 Media. The removal also extends to a copycat application called TeaOnHer, with Apple confirming both apps violated multiple App Store guidelines regarding user data protection and objectionable content reporting mechanisms.