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AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Moscow moves to throttle Telegram as Kremlin pushes its own messaging app

Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has throttled Telegram's service, affecting nearly 90 million local users, due to the platform's non-compliance with Russian law. A Moscow court has initiated seven legal cases against Telegram in 2026 for not removing content related to "extremist" activities and pornography, potentially resulting in fines exceeding ,000. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that restrictions will continue as long as Telegram violates regulations. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, criticized the actions as authoritarian and compared them to Iran's previous ban on the platform. Telegram previously faced a ban in 2018 for refusing to provide encryption keys to the FSB, but the ban was lifted in 2020. Russian officials are promoting a national messaging service called Max, developed by the creator of VKontakte. The restrictions have drawn criticism from state officials and military personnel, particularly in conflict-prone regions, where Telegram is essential for timely news and emergency updates. Pro-war military bloggers have also expressed dissatisfaction with the restrictions, noting Telegram's role in military logistics and communications. The Telegram restrictions are part of a broader trend of internet disruptions in Russia, including mobile internet access cuts and the inaccessibility of major Western platforms without VPNs.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia fully blocks WhatsApp, talks up state-backed alternative

The Russian government has officially blocked WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, due to its failure to comply with local laws. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed this decision and encouraged citizens to use MAX, a state-backed messaging service, as an alternative. Critics have raised concerns about MAX being a potential surveillance tool, which the authorities denied. The ban on WhatsApp follows six months of pressure on the platform as part of a broader strategy by Russian authorities to establish a "sovereign" communications infrastructure. Meta Russia has been designated as an extremist organization, and WhatsApp criticized the government's actions, warning that blocking the app could increase risks for over 100 million users in Russia. Restrictions include the removal of WhatsApp's domain names from Russia's national register, forcing users to access it via VPNs. The government has also imposed restrictions on other social media platforms and has fined WhatsApp for not removing prohibited content, insisting on the establishment of a local representative office, which has not occurred.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia bans WhatsApp, pushes state-backed alternative

Russia has blocked the messaging service WhatsApp, citing its failure to comply with Russian legal standards. The Kremlin has encouraged users to switch to a state-backed alternative called MAX, which lacks end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about user data accessibility and state surveillance. In the past year, Russia has also limited calls on WhatsApp and Telegram due to their unwillingness to cooperate with law enforcement. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized these actions as censorship aimed at suppressing free speech. In response to the ban, many Russians have begun using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access WhatsApp, while the state communications regulator plans to impose further restrictions on Telegram.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia bans WhatsApp, elevates state-controlled platform

WhatsApp has been completely banned in Russia due to its non-compliance with local laws, following a campaign by the Kremlin for foreign technology firms to adhere to Russian regulations. The ban comes after six months of pressure from the government, which has also designated Meta as an extremist organization. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has promoted MAX, a state-backed messaging service, as an alternative, despite concerns about its potential use for surveillance. Access to WhatsApp has been blocked without a VPN, leading to protests in Moscow for unrestricted internet. Some users are willing to continue using WhatsApp with a VPN until they switch to MAX. The crackdown on WhatsApp began in August, citing its failure to cooperate with law enforcement and ongoing violations of Russian law, resulting in fines and a requirement for the company to establish a local office.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

As Kremlin Throttles Telegram, Russians Stand to Lose More Than Just Messaging

Russian state media regulator Roskomnadzor has increased scrutiny of the messaging app Telegram due to concerns about fraud and user data security. Telegram has 93.6 million users in Russia, more than 60% of the population, and is essential for news, communication between officials and the public, and operational communication during the Ukraine conflict. Major news outlets have dedicated Telegram channels, and users can customize their news experience. Government officials use Telegram for direct updates, while opposition politicians and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky utilize it to communicate with supporters. Telegram is crucial for both Russian and Ukrainian troops for tactical coordination. The platform also hosts a variety of bloggers and is widely used for workplace communication. Despite government efforts to control Telegram, many users continue to access it through VPNs.

Tech Optimizer

February 12, 2026

OpenAI Scales Single Primary Postgresql to Millions of Queries per Second for ChatGPT

OpenAI scaled PostgreSQL to handle millions of queries per second for its ChatGPT service and API, serving 800 million users. Collaborating with Azure, they optimized deployment on Azure Database for PostgreSQL, maintaining a single-primary instance with nearly 50 geo-distributed read replicas to manage read operations and keep latency low. Key optimizations included increasing instance size, refining query patterns, and directing write-heavy workloads to sharded systems like Azure Cosmos DB. OpenAI faced operational challenges such as cache-miss storms and complex multi-table joins, which they addressed by shifting tasks to the application layer, enforcing stricter timeouts, and refining query structures. They reduced write pressure on PostgreSQL by migrating shardable workloads, implementing rate-limiting, and utilizing connection pooling with PgBouncer. Future strategies include exploring cascading replication to alleviate the primary instance's load and assessing sharded PostgreSQL deployments to enhance scalability while balancing consistency and performance.

Winsage

February 12, 2026

Microsoft’s latest update patches six zero-days and two critical flaws – but is it another buggy mess?

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday update addresses feature and security bugs, continuing the refresh of Secure Boot certificates to protect against bootkit malware. Secure Boot prevents malicious software from executing during startup by using trusted certificates, many of which are set to expire in June. The update is available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users, with the latter needing to be enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 2026. Windows 11 fixes include resolutions for full-screen gaming and WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi connectivity issues, while Windows 10 improvements address Chinese fonts, specific graphics processing units, and custom folder names in File Explorer. A bug causing unexpected restarts in Secure Launch-compatible PCs has also been fixed. The update includes 55 security patches, a decrease from January's 114, with two classified as critical and six identified as zero-day vulnerabilities. One vulnerability exploited in the wild could allow system privilege escalation, another could disrupt network connectivity, and a third could disable security controls and access sensitive data. Users can update their Windows 11 PCs through System > Windows Update, and Windows 10 users through System > Update & Security. Due to previous buggy updates, users may consider waiting a few days before installing the February update, with the option to uninstall if issues arise.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

This Final Fantasy 14 player house looks shockingly close to my favorite Phasmophobia map despite being made entirely of regular FF14 props

A player known as @wwYukiwww has recreated the iconic map 6 Tanglewood Drive from Phasmophobia within the housing system of Final Fantasy 14. The design uses available furnishings to mimic the haunted house's atmosphere, showcasing a ceiling fan made from four Antique Wall Shelves and a Metal Work Lantern. Yuki's project highlights the challenge of fitting intricate designs within a 400-item limit, and they have also recreated Level 974 from The Backrooms in a compact FF14 apartment. Players have a history of pushing the boundaries of FF14's housing system, employing innovative techniques to create unique designs. The community continues to thrive as Square Enix expands furniture and architectural options, fostering creativity despite the game's limitations.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

If your spider-sense is tingling, it’s because Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is now at its lowest price ever on PC

Many players find solace in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which offers thrilling combat and a captivating narrative, alongside the joy of swinging through New York City. The game continues to be highly regarded years after its release, with the narrative following Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face threats from Sandman, Kraven the Hunter, and Venom. It features Arkham-style combat and an open-world design that allows for dynamic movement throughout the city. Currently, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is available for .19 / £35.99 at Fanatical, marking its lowest price ever.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

For PC gamers: Epic Games Store launches new free game giveaways

The Epic Games Store offers free games regularly, which attracts new users and fosters community engagement. It has secured exclusive deals with developers and publishers, providing high-profile titles not available on other platforms. The store features a favorable revenue-sharing model for developers, taking a smaller cut of sales, which encourages innovation and attracts indie developers. Its user-friendly interface and support system help developers reach their audience effectively.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Epic Games brings Secure Boot and TPM to competitive Fortnite — most players unaffected by new measures

Epic Games has mandated enhanced security measures for participation in all Fortnite tournaments, requiring players to enable TPM, Secure Boot, and virtualization-based security. This follows a previous requirement for FNCS events, which necessitated an account level of 350 or higher. The company is focused on maintaining fairness in the game and has taken legal action against cheating, including lawsuits against those selling cheats and stolen accounts. Players must ensure their systems meet these security requirements to compete in tournaments.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia targets WhatsApp as it pushes homegrown messenger app

WhatsApp is facing scrutiny from the Russian regulatory authority Roskomnadzor amid heightened tensions between the Russian government and messaging platforms. The regulator previously accused WhatsApp and Telegram of violating national laws related to terrorism and scams, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to a ban on Facebook and Instagram. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, criticized the Russian government for attempting to push citizens towards a state-controlled messaging app for surveillance purposes. The Kremlin is promoting a domestic messaging service called Max, which raises concerns about privacy and government intrusion. Despite restrictions, many in Russia access WhatsApp through VPNs, but the government is intensifying efforts to block these workarounds and impose fines on VPN providers. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that WhatsApp's future in Russia depends on whether Meta is willing to engage with Russian authorities, emphasizing the tension between compliance with local laws and user freedoms.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

WhatsApp says Russia has tried to fully block the messaging app

Russia has moved to block WhatsApp entirely within its borders, aiming to redirect users to MAX, a state-supported messaging application criticized for its potential surveillance capabilities. This action is part of a broader strategy by the Russian government to tighten control over digital communication, following previous restrictions on major social media platforms and other messaging services like Signal and Viber. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that WhatsApp could be unblocked if it complies with Russian law. The government is also planning new restrictions on Telegram, which has been vital for military communications in Ukraine. MAX, the promoted national messaging app, lacks end-to-end encryption and is designed to share user data with authorities.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia blocks WhatsApp for failing to comply with local law, pushes state-backed alternative

The Russian government has blocked the messaging application WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, due to the company's non-compliance with local regulations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested citizens use MAX, a state-backed messaging app, which integrates government services. Critics have labeled MAX a surveillance tool, while authorities deny these claims. Meta Russia has been classified as an extremist organization, and WhatsApp has expressed concerns about the government's actions isolating over 100 million users from secure communication. Restrictions on WhatsApp began in August due to alleged failures to cooperate with law enforcement. Russian courts have fined WhatsApp for not removing prohibited content and have demanded the establishment of a local representative office, which has not been met. Users are turning to VPNs and alternative messaging platforms like Telegram.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia blocks WhatsApp over Meta non-compliance, pushes state-backed MAX messenger

Russia has enacted a complete blockade of WhatsApp due to Meta Platforms' non-compliance with local regulations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the blockade and encouraged citizens to use MAX, a state-backed messaging service. Critics have raised concerns about MAX being a potential surveillance tool, which Russian officials deny. This blockade is part of a broader strategy for a "sovereign" communications infrastructure, requiring foreign tech companies to comply with Russian laws or face exclusion. WhatsApp has over 100 million users in Russia and has expressed concerns that the blockade jeopardizes user privacy and security. Following the blockade, several WhatsApp domain names have disappeared from Russia's national domain register, making the app accessible only via VPNs. Roskomnadzor has not commented, and previous restrictions on WhatsApp included limitations on calls and fines for not complying with Russian laws.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia blocks WhatsApp as messaging app crackdown gathers pace

The Kremlin has confirmed the blockage of Meta's WhatsApp messaging service, urging Russian citizens to switch to a state-backed platform called Max. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Max as an "accessible alternative" and a developing national messenger. WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of trying to "fully block" its service to push users towards Max, labeling it a "surveillance app" and expressing concern about isolating over 100 million users from secure communication. Russia's telecoms watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has targeted popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram for non-compliance with Russian legislation regarding data storage and security measures. This strategy aims to steer users towards domestic services that are easier to monitor. Critics argue this approach restricts freedom of expression and privacy while enabling government control of public discourse, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. Telegram has faced scrutiny from Roskomnadzor, which has imposed partial restrictions on its services and stated intentions to continue these actions due to alleged failures in user data protection.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Surveillance tool or accessible messenger? All we know about MAX, Russia’s alternative after WhatsApp fully blocked

The Russian government has fully blocked Meta's WhatsApp due to its non-compliance with local laws. In response, the Kremlin has promoted MAX, a state-backed messaging application introduced in 2025. MAX aims to serve as a universal mobile application, consolidating various digital services and was pre-installed on smartphones sold in Russia from September 2025. The Kremlin claims MAX is an accessible alternative for users, but critics view it as a potential surveillance tool due to its design that collects extensive user data and lacks end-to-end encryption.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Instagram app crashing within seconds of opening on Android for many [U: Widespread again]

The Instagram app for Android is experiencing significant crashing issues, particularly related to beta version 417.0.0.0.73, causing frustration among users who report the app force-closing within seconds of launching. Problems began two days ago with crashes when liking comments and escalated to the app failing to launch. Users have encountered the error message “Something went wrong with Instagram” and have reported their photo grids disappearing, despite everything being intact on the web version. Clearing the cache provides only temporary relief, and standard troubleshooting methods have not resolved the issues. Many users are unable to disable the Early Access toggle due to errors. Meta has not yet acknowledged these problems publicly. Some users are considering installing an older APK file as a temporary solution.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Google Photos could finally fix one of its most frustrating sharing hurdles

Google Photos is introducing a "Copy" button in the share sheet, allowing users to copy images directly into other applications without prior downloads. This feature, available in version v7.63.0.867680147, enables users to paste full-resolution images with slight compression into existing messages. Users can only copy one image at a time, consistent with standard copy-paste behavior on Android. Additionally, Google Photos is receiving a Material 3 Expressive redesign for its Backup settings, with updates to the Album screen and the Updates section to enhance usability and aesthetics.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Microsoft Briefly Torpedoes Game’s Steam Page Over Screenshot

Minecraft has inspired numerous clones and voxel-based crafting simulations over the past 15 years. Recently, the upcoming game Allumeria was temporarily removed from Valve’s Steam platform due to a DMCA copyright notice from Microsoft, which claimed that Allumeria used "Minecraft content, including but not limited to gameplay and assets." The takedown was triggered by a screenshot from the game’s Steam page that depicted a world similar to Minecraft. Unomelon, the developer, stated that Allumeria does not reuse any of Minecraft's assets. The DMCA claim was generated through Tracer.AI, an AI platform used by Microsoft and Mojang to identify copyright violations. Jens Bergensten, Chief Creative Officer at Mojang, acknowledged the situation and stated he would investigate further. Approximately 12 hours later, Microsoft withdrew their DMCA claim, and Allumeria's Steam page was reinstated.