ban Archives

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

TikTok avoids a US ban for a second time thanks to Trump’s 75-day reprieve

TikTok has avoided a potential ban in the U.S. due to a 75-day extension granted by President Donald Trump, announced on April 4. This is the second extension for TikTok, which follows an initial deadline set to expire on April 5. The original law required a decision by January 19 regarding the sale of TikTok's U.S. operations or a nationwide ban, a deadline that has now been postponed twice. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, can continue operations without interruption, although negotiations between ByteDance and the U.S. government are ongoing, with unresolved key matters. The situation also involves U.S.-China tariff discussions, with Trump emphasizing the importance of tariffs for national security.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Avoid Downloading Apps From Untrusted Sources, Google Warns Android Users

Google warns Android users about the risks of downloading apps from sources outside the Google Play Store, noting that such apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware. In 2023, Google removed around 2.3 million suspicious apps from the Play Store and banned over 300 apps that circumvented Android's security measures, which had over 60 million downloads and were involved in deceptive advertising and phishing schemes. Google is enhancing its Play Protect Live Threat Detection system to combat fake and dangerous apps. Recommendations for protecting phones include downloading apps only from the Google Play Store, checking reviews and ratings, installing security updates, and avoiding unknown links.

TrendTechie

March 25, 2025

Яндекс

On October 14, the Moscow City Court permanently restricted access to the torrent tracker Rutor.org and twelve other websites known for hosting pirated content, following a lawsuit by LLC "Basileus Distribution." The court ordered the blocking of sites including Bobfilm.net, Dream-film.net, Kinokubik.com, Kinozal.tv, Kinobolt.ru, Seedoff.net, Torrentor.net, Tushkan.net, Tv.serial-online.net, and Wood-film.ru. This ruling marks the first permanent site block in Russia based on a copyright protection lawsuit. The legal basis for these restrictions stems from amendments to the "anti-piracy law" signed by President Vladimir Putin in November 2014, which allow for lifetime bans on sites that repeatedly infringe intellectual property rights. Additionally, a request for the permanent blocking of RuTracker.org was submitted earlier in October, but discussions between rights holders and RuTracker representatives may lead to the withdrawal of this request.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Google issues urgent warning to delete 331 Android apps infected with malware

Google has blocked all software identified as problematic on its platform, but users who have previously downloaded these applications must remain vigilant, as the ban does not automatically remove the apps from their devices. The "Vapor" malware has misled millions and infiltrated devices through troubling applications available in Google's Play Store, affecting over 60 million devices globally. The IAS Threat Lab has identified Vapor as an extensive ad fraud scheme using fake Android apps to display intrusive ads and steal credit card information. Bitdefender has identified 331 apps, including QR scanners and fitness applications, as potential threats that display out-of-context ads and attempt phishing attacks. A list of compromised apps includes AquaTracker, ClickSave Downloader, Scan Hawk, Water Time Tracker, and Be More, each downloaded over 1 million times. Users are advised to exercise caution when installing new applications and verify the trustworthiness of developers.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Huawei Pura X flip phone launched; sideways form factor, no Android apps

Huawei has launched the Huawei Pura X smartphone in China, which is the first Huawei device to operate without Android, using HarmonyOS Next instead. The Pura X does not support Android applications and does not offer a choice between Android and HarmonyOS. The phone features a 3.5-inch outer OLED screen, a 6.3-inch foldable OLED screen, and a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor. It is powered by the Kirin 9020 chip, supports up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and has a 4720mAh battery with fast charging capabilities. The device is priced at CNY 7499 (approximately ₹89,000) and is unlikely to be available in India due to its lack of Android compatibility.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Warning for millions of WhatsApp users as app to trial huge messaging BAN

WhatsApp has introduced a new update that imposes a limit on the number of broadcast messages users can send each month, potentially restricting individual users to just 30 messages. This change also affects business accounts, which previously had unlimited messaging capabilities. In response to these limitations, businesses will soon have access to a paid version of the broadcast messaging feature, allowing them to schedule messages and receive 250 customized messages for free during the trial phase. Meta is also implementing measures to combat spam, including charging for various types of messages sent through the application programming interface (API). Essential features for business owners, like a landing page and product catalog, will remain free.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google bans 300 popular Android apps, full list and why you must delete them now

Android users are facing a significant threat from "Vapor" malware, which has been identified in numerous applications, affecting over 60 million users. The IAS Threat Lab reported that this malware inundates devices with intrusive adware and attempts to steal sensitive credit card information. Bitdefender confirmed the presence of 331 compromised applications, including QR scanners and fitness services, which display out-of-context ads and engage in phishing attacks. Google has blocked the identified malicious software, but users must manually remove affected apps from their devices. Notable compromised apps include AquaTracker, ClickSave Downloader, Scan Hawk, Water Time Tracker, Be More, BeatWatch, TranslateScan, and Handset Locator, with download counts ranging from 50,000 to 1 million. Users are advised to read reviews and verify developer reputations before downloading new applications.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Encrypted messaging apps promise privacy. Government transparency is often the price

In the aftermath of a wildfire in Maui in 2023 that resulted in over 100 fatalities, text messages among emergency management personnel have come to light, indicating potential use of untraceable messaging services like Signal. The presence of government officials on encrypted platforms has raised concerns about transparency, as these apps often evade public records laws. An investigation revealed over 1,100 officials across the U.S. using such applications, which complicate public accountability. Instances of improper use of encrypted messaging have been documented, and while these apps enhance privacy, they also hinder transparency. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends their use for confidential communications, but these fall outside public record laws. New Mexico faced a court settlement for instructing employees to use Signal for internal communications without clear regulations. Michigan lawmakers have banned the use of such apps if they obstruct public records requests, but enforcement remains challenging. Experts call for stronger public record laws and independent enforcement to improve government transparency.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

Messaging app Telegram blocked in Russia’s Dagestan and Chechnya regions

The messaging app Telegram has been blocked in Russia's Dagestan and Chechnya regions due to security concerns, as announced by Dagestan's digital development minister, Yuri Gamzatov. The decision followed recommendations from law enforcement agencies, particularly in response to unrest at Makhachkala airport earlier this year. Since early 2024, users in parts of the North Caucasus have faced service disruptions on Telegram, and Gamzatov suggested considering the VK messenger as an alternative. The unrest at Makhachkala airport on October 29, 2023, was caused by a flight arrival from Israel, leading to mass riots that resulted in over 24 million rubles in damages and injuries to 23 officials.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

Dagestan, Chechnya block Telegram messaging app

Authorities in Russia's Dagestan and Chechnya have banned the messaging app Telegram, citing concerns over its content moderation policies and the proliferation of extremist content. This decision is part of a broader trend of increasing governmental control over online communications in the region. Anton Nemkin from the State Duma expressed that Telegram's lax moderation poses a threat to public safety, and local official Gamzatov indicated there may be potential for the app's reinstatement in the future. The Russian government has previously blocked other messaging services like Signal and is considering actions against WhatsApp, while access to platforms like YouTube has also been restricted. Additionally, Telegram has faced scrutiny outside Russia, including a ban for officials in Ukraine due to national security concerns linked to its founder Pavel Durov.