advocacy Archives

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Another game store threatened with de-listing, says “no plans to remove any titles” but warns games like GTA at risk

Zoom Platform is facing scrutiny over adult content in gaming, similar to issues experienced by Steam and itch.io. The platform has engaged in discussions with payment processors PayPal and Stripe due to concerns raised by advocacy groups. Iconic games such as Grand Theft Auto, Duke Nukem, and Saints Row are considered potentially at risk of de-listing. In response, Zoom Platform is implementing measures like Two-Factor Authentication and a new wallet system to enhance security and manage funds. The platform aims to support artistic freedom and prevent de-listings, while currently partnering with major payment processors. Grand Theft Auto 2 was recently removed from Steam, but it remains available as abandonware. Zoom Platform offers classic Duke Nukem games, which fans hope will stay accessible.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Mastercard deflects blame for NSFW games being taken down, but Valve says payment processors ‘specifically cited’ a Mastercard rule about damaging the brand

Mastercard clarified that it allows all lawful purchases and does not evaluate games or impose restrictions on game creator platforms. Valve confirmed the removal of certain NSFW titles from Steam, which followed similar actions by Itch.io, reportedly due to pressures from credit card companies. Itch.io noted that its payment processors include Paypal and Stripe, with Stripe suspending payment options for 18+ content, leading to restrictions on certain games. Valve stated that it attempted to communicate with Mastercard directly but did not receive a response, as communication occurred through payment processors and banks. Mastercard's Rule 5.12.7 prohibits transactions that could be deemed illegal or damaging to brand reputation, including products considered "patently offensive." Public pressure campaigns have influenced these developments in the gaming community.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey’s Bluetooth messaging app now available on App Store – The Times of India

Jack Dorsey has launched BitChat, a Bluetooth-based messaging application now available on the Apple App Store, enabling offline communication without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. The app allows users to connect with nearby individuals by simply launching it, setting a display name, and messaging anyone within Bluetooth range (up to 100 meters). BitChat facilitates encrypted communication through local Bluetooth clusters, with messages relayed between devices and stored only on individual devices, ensuring privacy. It includes features such as optional group chats secured with passwords and a "store and forward" capability for offline users. Future updates may introduce Wi-Fi Direct to improve speed and range. BitChat operates on a peer-to-peer basis without accounts or data collection, distinguishing it from mainstream messaging platforms.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

One of 2024’s best games and a new horror classic has been delisted on Itch.io amid the payment processor crackdown on NSFW games

Itch.io confirmed that the game Mouthwashing has been de-indexed since October 2024, a decision not related to payment processor crackdowns. The game is currently not indexed due to not meeting specific criteria for discoverability on the platform, as it directs users to its Steam page instead of offering purchasable content directly on Itch.io. Despite this, Mouthwashing remains accessible on Itch.io via a direct link and is available for purchase on Steam.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Dutch consumer’s assoc. wants Microsoft to keep supporting Windows 10

The Consumers’ Association in the Netherlands is urging Microsoft to extend support for Windows 10 users by providing free updates for an additional year, particularly for devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. This affects approximately 2 million computers in the Netherlands, mainly those manufactured in 2017 or earlier. The organization emphasizes the importance of avoiding financial burdens on consumers seeking essential security updates and highlights concerns about accessibility and longevity of software support for users with older systems.

AppWizard

July 13, 2025

‘A game, once sold, belongs to the customer’: Prominent EU politician stands up for Stop Killing Games

Nicolae Ștefănuță, Vice President of the European Parliament, publicly supported the Stop Killing Games initiative by signing its petition and advocating for the cause. The initiative has surpassed 1 million signatures but still needs to meet minimum thresholds in several EU member states before moving to verification and a meeting with the European Commission. Video Games Europe has expressed opposition to the initiative.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Builds Offline Messaging App That Uses Bluetooth Instead of the Internet

Jack Dorsey has launched a new messaging application called Bitchat, which operates outside the conventional internet framework. Bitchat uses Bluetooth technology to send messages directly between devices, eliminating the need for phone numbers, servers, and data plans. The app allows communication over distances of up to 300 meters by relaying messages through nearby devices. Bitchat does not include usernames, chat backups, or lengthy inbox histories; messages are ephemeral, encrypted, and stored locally. The beta version was launched on Apple’s TestFlight, filling 10,000 testing slots quickly. The app currently supports small group chats with features like hashtags and password protection, and future updates may introduce WiFi Direct support. Bitchat aims to provide direct, unmediated communication, aligning with Dorsey's vision for user-centric technology.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Bitchat beta launched by Jack Dorsey: Find out how the bluetooth-based app will potentially rival WhatsApp

Jack Dorsey has launched a decentralized messaging application named Bitchat, which operates exclusively over Bluetooth technology and does not require internet connections, phone numbers, or centralized servers. The app is currently in beta on TestFlight and emphasizes user privacy by encrypting communications that are ephemeral and stored only on users' devices. Bitchat allows for the creation of Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages between devices, even extending beyond typical Bluetooth range. It features password-protected group chats and a store-and-forward option for offline messaging. Future updates will incorporate Wi-Fi Direct to improve network speed and range. Bitchat reflects Dorsey's commitment to decentralization in digital services and is designed to maintain connectivity in situations of internet outages or restrictions.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey launches a WhatsApp messaging rival built on Bluetooth

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, has launched a new messaging app called Bitchat, which operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer basis using Bluetooth mesh networks for communication without internet connectivity or central servers. The beta version is live on TestFlight, and a white paper is available on GitHub. Bitchat allows for ephemeral and encrypted communication between devices in close proximity, creating local Bluetooth clusters for message relaying. Certain "bridge" devices can expand the network over greater distances, and messages are stored only on devices, disappearing by default. The app supports optional group chats secured with passwords and includes store and forward functionality for offline users. Future updates may introduce WiFi Direct capabilities. Bitchat does not require accounts or data collection, making it a privacy-preserving alternative to mainstream messaging platforms.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey working on Bluetooth messaging app, Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks to enable communication without Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Bitchat can extend its messaging range to 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) by relaying messages through connected peers. The app prioritizes user privacy, offering end-to-end encryption. Bitchat is currently in beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight platform, but the testing group has reached its limit of 10,000 participants, with plans for a broader release in the future.