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AppWizard
June 24, 2025
On June 24, Vladimir Putin established a "national messenger" in Russia through a decree, which was published on the official legal information portal. The service will be built on domestic software and aims to attract over 500,000 daily users. It is designed for messaging and voice calls in Russian and other languages spoken in the Russian Federation, and will support advertising in these languages. The platform will integrate with the Russian digital services portal “Gosuslugi,” allowing access to official documents. Features will include electronic document signing and serve as a communication hub for students and educators. The State Duma passed a bill advocating for the messenger on June 10, emphasizing the need for a multifunctional information exchange service. Anton Gorelkin stated that the introduction of the messenger would not block Telegram in Russia if it complies with legal requirements. Russia has imposed restrictions on social networks and messaging platforms, including limiting access to X (formerly Twitter) in 2021 and banning Facebook and Instagram in March 2022. In August 2024, Roskomnadzor blocked the Signal messenger for violations of Russian legislation.
AppWizard
June 24, 2025
Google's Android XR platform is developing smart glasses named Martha, which will have a companion app similar to the Pixel Watch. A leaked image reveals the app will allow users to manage notifications, adjust settings, and use features like Record Your View and quick feedback options. The glasses are designed with robust arms to house battery and smart technology, equipped with speakers for interactions with Gemini, and include a dedicated button for function access. They resemble Ray-Ban’s Meta glasses and are likely still in the prototype phase. There is growing enthusiasm for Google's entry into augmented reality, although a launch date for Android XR has not been announced.
AppWizard
June 24, 2025
The US House of Representatives has banned the use of WhatsApp on all work devices due to cybersecurity concerns, categorizing it as a "high risk" application. The ban is based on criticisms regarding a lack of transparency in user data protection, insufficient encryption of stored data, and potential security vulnerabilities. Employees are instructed to remove the app from their devices, and alternatives such as Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime are recommended. This decision aligns WhatsApp with other previously banned applications, and there is speculation that similar guidelines may be adopted by other government agencies.
AppWizard
June 20, 2025
On June 10, the Russian Parliament passed legislation to establish a new messenger application called Max, developed by VK, aimed at integrating state services. Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev announced that VK has created a "fully Russian messenger" that matches or exceeds foreign counterparts. The app will enable users to utilize electronic signatures for document signing, verify identity, age, and eligibility for benefits, and will be required for educational services and communication in schools. It may shift user behavior away from popular Western apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is compared to China's WeChat, offering messaging, social networking, search, and payment systems. Concerns exist that it may mirror WeChat's issues with censorship and surveillance, especially given VK's past collaborations with Russian authorities.
AppWizard
May 31, 2025
Russia has introduced a national messaging service aimed at reducing dependence on foreign platforms, as announced by Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy. The domestic application is intended to provide a secure and multifunctional alternative to services like WhatsApp and Telegram, contributing to a unique digital ecosystem and enhancing digital security. Boyarsky stated that the initiative is not meant to ban foreign messaging services but to promote competition, emphasizing that these services can continue operating if they comply with Russian laws. The development reflects a broader shift towards adopting domestic applications and improving digital infrastructure in Russia.
AppWizard
May 30, 2025
The Vietnamese government has instructed telecommunications companies to block the Telegram messaging app, citing security concerns and the dissemination of "anti-state" content. This directive was issued by the Telecommunications Department and requires service providers to report compliance by June 2. A document from the Ministry of Public Security indicated that 68% of approximately 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were classified as “bad and toxic,” involved in activities such as anti-state messaging, fraud, and drug trafficking. The government referenced Article 9 of the Telecommunications Law and Decree 147 to justify the ban, claiming Telegram had not complied with regulations. Despite the ban, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the report date. Telegram expressed surprise at the government's actions and confirmed it is responding to legal requests from Vietnam.
AppWizard
May 29, 2025
Vietnam's telecommunications providers have been instructed to block access to Telegram due to national security concerns and alleged non-compliance with local laws. The Ministry of Information and Communications claims that 70% of Telegram channels in Vietnam are linked to illicit activities, including fraud and drug trafficking. Officials allege that Telegram has failed to remove illegal content and provide user data for investigations. A spokesperson for Telegram stated that the company had responded to legal requests from Vietnam. Vietnam has a history of enforcing strict online content controls, previously threatening to block Facebook and discussing a ban on TikTok. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France earlier this year over allegations related to cybercrime and expressed his commitment to improving the platform's security in light of its rapid user growth to 950 million.
AppWizard
May 24, 2025
Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology has accused the messaging app Telegram of not cooperating in addressing criminal activities conducted by its users. The ministry has instructed internet service providers to restrict Telegram's operations in the country, citing that nearly 70 percent of the 9,600 channels on the app disseminate harmful information and engage in illegal activities such as selling user data and drug trafficking. A Telegram representative stated the company has been timely in addressing legal requests from Vietnam and is processing a recent request. Despite the government's actions, Telegram was still accessible in Vietnam as of Friday. In Vietnam, approximately 11.8 million users use Telegram, while the app has nearly one billion users globally.
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