bans Archives

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Mastercard distances itself from Valve and Itch.io NSFW game ban

Mastercard clarified that it has not directly influenced the bans on NSFW games on platforms like Steam and Itch.io, attributing the restrictions to its guidelines for consumer purchases. The company stated it has not evaluated any games or required any restrictions, emphasizing adherence to legal standards while requiring merchants to prevent unlawful transactions, including illegal adult content. Valve, the parent company of Steam, confirmed it had not communicated directly with Mastercard regarding NSFW content issues, stating that the concerns arose from interactions with payment processors and banks. Mastercard's Rule 5.12.7, which prohibits the use of its services for illegal activities, has been central to the discussions on content moderation in gaming.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

GOG is giving away a selection of adult games to protest censorship

GOG has launched a new platform, FreedomtoBuy.games, allowing users to download select "adult" games for free, in response to the removal of certain titles from Steam and Itch. For 48 hours, GOG is offering 13 games, including POSTAL 2 and HuniePop, which have faced controversy and bans. The initiative aims to preserve diverse gaming experiences and ensure compatibility with modern hardware. The removals from other platforms were influenced by new policies from payment processors and pressure from organizations like Collective Shout. Itch is working to reinstate removed games and restore free NSFW titles.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

Inside Putin’s attempt to construct a ‘digital gulag’ spy app to snoop on Russians

The new messenger app Max, developed by VK, will be a standard feature on all new digital devices sold in Russia starting this September. It aims to integrate messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments. Experts express concerns that Max could enhance Kremlin surveillance capabilities, as its servers will be governed by local laws allowing the FSB to access user data. There is an increasing likelihood of a ban on WhatsApp, which is currently used by over 70% of Russians, as part of a strategy to promote Max. Opposition journalist Andrey Okun describes Max as a tool for creating a "digital gulag," while experts note it normalizes state surveillance of internet usage in Russia. The Russian government has designated WhatsApp as an extremist organization, and tactics may be employed to transition users to Max. Although the shift may not change the organized opposition landscape significantly, it could discourage casual dissent. Historically, the government has attempted to block services like Telegram, with renewed efforts expected by the end of the year.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Putin’s ‘digital gulag’: Inside the Kremlin’s attempt to construct a spy app to snoop on Russians

A new messenger app named Max, developed by Russian tech company VK, will be pre-installed on all new digital devices sold in Russia starting September. Analysts express concerns that Max, which integrates messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments, could be used as a surveillance tool by the Kremlin due to its architecture and local server location. There are fears that it may enable the government to monitor citizens closely, with a potential ban on popular apps like WhatsApp to steer users towards Max. Russian opposition journalist Andrey Okun has described Max as part of a "digital gulag" that allows for strict government oversight of citizens. Experts suggest that the introduction of Max is part of a broader initiative to enhance state surveillance capabilities. The Russian government has previously expressed frustration with foreign apps complicating surveillance, and attempts to block platforms like Telegram have had limited success, indicating a potential increase in efforts to control messaging services in the future.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Google Photos could soon get a surprising third-party integration (APK teardown)

Google is experimenting with a new feature in its Google Photos app that allows users to edit their Memories using CapCut, a video editing tool owned by ByteDance. An "Edit in CapCut" button has been found in version 7.38 of the Google Photos app, enabling users to edit auto-generated highlight reels of past photos and videos. If CapCut is not installed, tapping the button prompts a download from the Play Store; if it is installed, the memory is sent to the CapCut editor. However, CapCut is not available in certain regions, such as India, where this feature was first discovered. The integration raises questions about Google's promotion of a non-Google app, especially one owned by a company facing scrutiny. The feature has not yet been broadly rolled out or included in the app's beta version.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

Russian officials ordered to use spy-linked Max messaging app by September

Russian officials are being directed to adopt a messaging application overseen by the Russian Federation's secret services, as mandated by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The deadline for this transition is September 1st. The government is particularly targeting foreign messaging applications like WhatsApp for potential bans due to national security concerns. A new messaging application named Max, developed by VK, has been introduced, designed for centralized digital tracking and raising privacy concerns. Max has extensive access to device features and sends data to servers linked to VK, which is connected to the Russian secret services. The government aims to impose further restrictions on software from countries classified as "unfriendly."

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Kremlin may ban popular messaging app to tighten control over internet resources

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted an increase in the Kremlin's censorship efforts to control the digital landscape in Russia. On July 18, Anton Gorelkin, First Deputy Chairperson of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy, warned that WhatsApp may face restrictions in the Russian market and indicated that the Kremlin-backed messaging app, MAX, is intended to replace it. Committee member Anton Nemkin labeled WhatsApp a national security threat, suggesting Telegram as an alternative, but acknowledged MAX as the preferred option. WhatsApp is currently the most popular messaging app in Russia, with about 84 million daily users, but a ban on it is seen as likely. Insiders believe Telegram will remain operational due to its support of Kremlin-affiliated channels. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, has been classified as an extremist organization by the Russian government. ISW has previously reported on the Kremlin's plans for MAX as a national messenger, and if successful, Telegram and other Western social media platforms may also face bans. The Kremlin's strategy aims to isolate and censor Russian citizens while promoting its narratives.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Telegram Begins Legal Process to Open Office in Russia

The developer of the Telegram messaging app has begun the legal process to establish a representative office in Russia, nearly four years after a law requiring foreign tech companies to have a physical presence in the country was enacted. Telegram Messenger, Inc. is in the approval process for office registration with Roskomnadzor, though the application date is undisclosed. Previously, Telegram has taken minimal steps to comply with Russian localization laws. The platform remains popular in Russia, attracting a varied user base. Speculation exists about the timing of this move, especially with new regulations mandating that personal devices sold in Russia come pre-installed with a state-sponsored messenger, which is expected to be filled by a new app called Max. Roskomnadzor has not confirmed Telegram's plans and has directed inquiries to the company. Telegram has not publicly commented on the office registration.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Russian Developers Urge Ban on Microsoft Windows for School Exams

The Domestic Software Association, representing over 300 Russian IT companies, is advocating for a ban on Microsoft’s Windows operating system during school examinations, citing a conflict with a presidential decree banning foreign software in government institutions starting January 2025. The association expressed concerns in a letter to the Digital Development Ministry, the Education Ministry, and Rosobrnadzor regarding a directive that mandates the Unified State Exam be conducted solely on Windows. They are promoting the use of domestic operating systems like Astra Linux and urging revisions to exam preparation guidelines to include Russian office software suites. New federal regulations restrict foreign software procurement and incentivize Russian alternatives, with a law effective September 1 requiring only software registered with the Digital Development Ministry for critical national infrastructure. The initiative to replace foreign software began in 2023, but as of August 2024, only about 60% of schools and universities had transitioned to domestic solutions, with complete transition expected to take several more years.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

5 common Linux dealbreakers that could ruin your Windows 10 switch

The Linux operating system faces challenges in gaming, particularly with triple-A titles, as many prominent developers do not support it, resulting in a limited selection compared to Windows. Approximately 70 percent of triple-A games available on Windows can be played on Linux, according to ProtonDB. However, some major titles, like Fortnite, are not natively playable on Linux and require cloud gaming services for access. Compatibility issues with anti-cheat software, such as Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat, hinder the expansion of the Linux gaming library. There are potential developments from Microsoft regarding kernel-level anti-cheat software, but no concrete solutions have emerged. Performance on Linux can vary, with some players experiencing drops while others report better performance than on Windows. Additionally, Linux has a steeper learning curve, often requiring command-line interface engagement for software installation and configuration.