Here are the top tech stories of 15 January 2026, covering major developments from global internet shutdowns to parental control features on YouTube and upcoming e-commerce sales.
1. Iran Enters 7th Day of Internet Blackout
Iran has now entered the seventh day of a nationwide internet blackout, cutting the general public off from the rest of the world. Mobile internet services remain non-functional. In response, Elon Musk and the United States have made Starlink satellite internet free for Iranians, including waiving subscription fees for those who hadn’t paid. While this provides limited relief—since users must have Starlink kits—the Iranian government is reportedly seizing these kits from citizens, raising challenges for widespread connectivity.
2. Parents Can Control Children’s YouTube Shorts Usage
YouTube has announced three major updates aimed at improving safety and parental control:
- Screen Time Control: Parents can now set a timer for YouTube Shorts, deciding exactly how long their children can watch. The timer can even be set to zero for study or homework hours. Alternatively, 30 or 60-minute limits can be assigned during family trips.
- Teen-Friendly Content: YouTube has released new guidelines to promote age-appropriate, educational, and meaningful content for teens. Platforms like Khan Academy and CrashCourse will feature more prominently, while low-quality or distracting content will be deprioritized.
- Simplified Account Management: A new sign-up system will allow parents to easily create accounts for children and switch between kid, teen, and parent accounts. This ensures viewers receive content and settings appropriate for their age without repeatedly adjusting configurations.
3. Amazon-Flipkart Republic Day Sale Nears
The Republic Day sale is just around the corner. Amazon’s sale begins on 16 January, while Flipkart’s sale starts on 17 January. However, early access users can start shopping on Flipkart from 16 January itself.
4. POCO M8 5G First Sale
The POCO M8 5G is now available on Flipkart. Priced at ₹18,999, launch offers allow buyers to purchase it for ₹15,999. Additional discounts of ₹2,000 are available on ICICI, SBI, and HDFC credit/debit cards.
5. Roblox Introduces Age Verification for Chat in India
Roblox has implemented a major safety update on its gaming platform in India. Users must now verify their age before chatting with others. This makes Roblox the first major online gaming platform to enforce age verification for all users prior to chatting. Similar measures are already in place in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. According to Roblox’s Chief Safety Officer, Matt Coffman, this step aims to enhance safety for children while gaming online.
These updates highlight a growing global focus on digital safety, user control, and responsible technology use, from AI and online gaming to satellite internet in crisis regions.
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