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'Big Brother cannot watch us': Indian government phone app plan sparks outrage
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

‘Big Brother cannot watch us’: Indian government phone app plan sparks outrage

India has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-operated cybersecurity application called Sanchar Saathi on all mobile devices manufactured or imported for use within the country. The app is designed to enhance protection against fraud and cyber threats, allowing users to block and track lost or stolen phones and identify fraudulent mobile subscriptions. Major smartphone companies have a 90-day compliance window, and the app must be visible and accessible during device setup. Critics, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have raised concerns about user privacy and governmental control over personal devices, while the Indian telecom minister described the app as a voluntary system. The government also requires that the app be pushed to devices already in circulation through software updates. Political opposition has emerged, with calls for the order's retraction, citing constitutional concerns.
Legendary game designer, programmer, Space Invaders champion, and LGBTQ trailblazer Rebecca Heineman has died
AppWizard
November 18, 2025

Legendary game designer, programmer, Space Invaders champion, and LGBTQ trailblazer Rebecca Heineman has died

Rebecca Heineman, a pioneering figure in the gaming industry, passed away at the age of 62 following a recent cancer diagnosis. She was the first officially recognized U.S. champion of a video game, winning a national Space Invaders tournament in 1980. Over her career, she contributed to 67 games and was known for her programming skills, including porting titles like Wolfenstein 3D and Baldur's Gate. Heineman publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman and was an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity in technology. She faced an aggressive cancer diagnosis in early 2024, prompting her to seek support through GoFundMe for treatment costs. After her passing, tributes from the gaming community highlighted her contributions to foundational games and her kindness towards others.
Malwarebytes scores 100% in AV Comparatives Stalkerware Test 2025
Tech Optimizer
November 7, 2025

Malwarebytes scores 100% in AV Comparatives Stalkerware Test 2025

The AV-Comparatives Stalkerware Test 2025 evaluated 13 Android security solutions against 17 stalkerware-type applications. The test revealed that stalkerware remains a significant threat, often installed covertly and designed to evade detection. Malwarebytes achieved a perfect 100% detection rate, while Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky, and McAfee each detected 94%. Avast, Avira, and F-Secure identified 88%, Norton and Sophos around 82%, and G Data (65%), Google (53%), and Trend Micro (59%) had lower detection rates. The evaluation emphasized the importance of clear communication of threats to potential victims. Malwarebytes' involvement in the Coalition Against Stalkerware highlights its commitment to user safety and effective detection of stalkerware.
Blizzard's platform and tech team unionises
AppWizard
October 16, 2025

Blizzard’s platform and tech team unionises

Over 400 employees from the platform and tech teams at Blizzard have voted to form a bargaining unit, marking a significant move towards collective representation. This new union has received recognition from Microsoft, which aligns with its labor neutrality agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), who will represent the Blizzard employees. Members of the organizing committee expressed optimism about increased union representation improving workplace standards. Additionally, over 450 staff members involved in the Diablo franchise have also voted to unionize, indicating a growing trend of unionization at Blizzard.
The End of Windows 10 Support Is an E-Waste Disaster in the Making
Winsage
October 15, 2025

The End of Windows 10 Support Is an E-Waste Disaster in the Making

Free support for Windows 10 ended at midnight on Wednesday, affecting around 400 million computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. This has raised environmental concerns about increased electronic waste, as many unsupported devices may end up in landfills. Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10, prompting concerns for businesses and institutions that rely on these systems. Over 42 percent of Windows users still use Windows 10, and the decision to discontinue support has been criticized as perplexing. Microsoft continues to offer security updates for a fee, raising questions about corporate responsibility. Consumer rights group PIRG has initiated a campaign urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision, citing a precedent where Google extended support for Chromebooks after advocacy efforts.
Repair Advocates Tell Microsoft: Stop the ‘End of Windows 10’
Winsage
October 13, 2025

Repair Advocates Tell Microsoft: Stop the ‘End of Windows 10’

Microsoft reports a 62% reduction in security incidents with Windows 11 compared to Windows 10. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for devices meeting hardware specifications, and an extended security update program for Windows 10 users is available until October 13, 2026. Critics, including CALPIRG, argue that the transition could lead to increased electronic waste, as many of the estimated 400 million Windows 10 users may lack the necessary hardware for the upgrade. Concerns include potential security risks when Windows 10 no longer receives updates, leading to discarded computers. Advocacy efforts have previously resulted in extended security updates for U.S. schools and free updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area. The right to repair movement has initiated the End of 10 initiative to assist users in migrating to Linux. Some IT professionals view the transition as a necessary evolution in technology, emphasizing the importance of upgrading for security reasons.
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