A simple customer query consumes fewer tokens, while more complex interactions such as product recommendations, multilingual conversations, or detailed troubleshooting require greater computing resources and cost more. The model links pricing to AI usage instead of conversation volume.
The intervention is an escalation of India's policing of online platforms, coming weeks after it blocked Telegram and following years of run-ins with Elon Musk's X over content-takedown orders.
The justices said they will hear Apple's appeal contending it cannot be held in contempt for allegedly violating the "spirit" of a court injunction but not an express provision. Apple has denied violating any prior court orders against it.
The watchdog said any fees charged by the companies for allowing such "steering" would need to be fair and reasonable, and should be lower than current app store commissions, with savings passed on to consumers or reinvested in innovation.
Restricting access to phone numbers would mean they are not shared automatically in cases such as being added to a large group chat or messaging person or business for the first time, the company added.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team has warned WhatsApp web and desktop users to be cautious of any attachments, even if they come from a friend, colleague or family member.
Zuckerberg has also displayed similar ambitions before. A decade ago, he approached the Indian data market with the promise of Free Basics, a walled garden in which the Silicon Valley behemoth and its partners would have been the banyan tree providing shade from high data costs.
Which? filed the claim in November 2024 and argues Apple abused a dominant position by "trapping" users of iPhones and other devices into its iCloud storage service, limiting their ability to switch to rival cloud providers.
The government had temporarily imposed a blanket ban on Telegram until June 22.
Explaining his decision to move on from day-to-day operations, Shah said he will continue to remain associated with CRED as a shareholder. "I'm stepping away from the operating role and will continue as a shareholder. My commitment doesn't change. Just the role," he said.
Downloads had already climbed to 645,000 on June 16, making June 17 the strongest day for VPN apps in India since at least the beginning of 2025.
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