censorship Archives

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Over 10 years since launch, Far Cry 4 reportedly censors nudity in a new PC patch, and Ubisoft hasn’t explained why

Ubisoft has released a subtle update for Far Cry 4 on PC, introducing censorship of nudity more than a decade after the game's initial release. The update has sparked discussions among players on the Steam Community, as there are no official patch notes detailing the changes. According to SteamDB, a list of altered files suggests significant adjustments, with specific instances of censorship noted by users on Reddit, such as the protagonist Ajay now wearing a loincloth during the Shanath Arena mission. The game, which celebrates its 11th anniversary this year, has long been rated by the ESRB for nudity. Inquiries have been made to Ubisoft regarding the reasons for the patch and any additional modifications.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

I played the notoriously ratings-board-ravaged Manhunt 2 and was quite glad for the censorship actually

Rockstar Games was highly productive in the past, releasing over two titles each year, including notable games like Manhunt 2, Vice City Stories, Bully, GTA 4, and Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Over eight years, they produced four interpretations of Los Angeles, including GTA 5, San Andreas, and LA Noire. Manhunt 2 became a cultural artifact, generating controversy that influenced its marketing and public perception, particularly after being linked to a teenage murder incident. This led to significant censorship of the game before its release, resulting in a less graphic version. The PC version remains the only platform with the original takedown animations, while the PSP version offers a more sanitized experience. The audio elements of the game contribute significantly to its horror experience. The absence of a scoring system in Manhunt 2, which was present in the original, diminished player engagement. The game's narrative was perceived as predictable, and the character Danny Lamb appeared passive. Manhunt 2 is noted as one of the last pure stealth experiences from a major studio, marking a shift in the genre towards action hybrids.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

The Digital Privacy Paradox: Encrypted Messaging App ‘Session’ Solves What Others Won’t

Instant messaging has become a crucial part of global communication, connecting billions of users while raising concerns about privacy and security. Many popular messaging apps, despite encryption, still expose users to privacy threats through metadata collection, which can reveal personal information. Session is a messaging platform that aims to address these issues by minimizing metadata usage and ensuring user anonymity through anonymous sign-ups, a decentralized infrastructure, and advanced encryption techniques. Session does not require personal details like phone numbers or emails for registration and operates on a network of over 2,200 nodes, making it difficult for any single entity to access or censor user data. The app is open-source, allowing for transparency and independent audits, and employs onion routing to enhance security. Session is particularly beneficial for journalists and activists who need secure communication in surveillance-prone environments. The platform is governed by the non-profit Session Technology Foundation, which prioritizes user privacy over profit. Session's upcoming token, $SESH, will incentivize individuals to operate nodes, contributing to the decentralized nature of the network and enhancing security through staking mechanisms. The transition from Oxen to Session Token on Arbitrum aims to improve efficiency and scalability while planning for a future where privacy-first messaging competes with mainstream platforms.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Elon Musk Is Trying to Hinder Anti-Trump Whistleblowers

Elon Musk has blocked links to the encrypted messaging app Signal on his platform, X, causing concerns about the selective application of free speech. Cybersecurity researchers reported that accessing Signal links results in a warning page, although users can still proceed. Donald Trump is advocating for leniency towards Andrew Tate, who, along with his brother, faces serious legal charges in Romania but has temporarily blocked his indictment and remains under investigation. Musk's DOGE initiative seeks access to sensitive taxpayer information from the IRS, prompting ethical and security concerns among officials. Musk has also expressed support for Trump's criticisms of CBS’s 60 Minutes, reflecting a growing alignment with Trump's narrative against mainstream media. The Associated Press is in conflict with the Trump administration over the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," resulting in the revocation of its access to significant areas like the Oval Office and Air Force One.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Android users can once again download TikTok. What to know following halted nationwide ban on app

TikTok resumed its services for Android users in the United States on January 19 after a nationwide ban due to national security concerns regarding its parent company, ByteDance. The Supreme Court upheld a law requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations, leading to the app's temporary shutdown. TikTok expressed gratitude towards President Trump for clarifying the situation, allowing the app to be available for over 170 million American users. Users can now download TikTok directly from its website as Android Package Kits (APKs). However, the app remains unavailable on the App Store due to a law mandating ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets. Trump has hinted at the possibility of purchasing TikTok as part of a new sovereign wealth fund. TikTok Lite offers a streamlined version of the app without certain features. Users are advised to download TikTok only from its official website for safety.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Jiggle-powered, apparently decent action game Stellar Blade confirmed for PC release in June

Stellar Blade, an anime action game developed by South Korean studio Shift Up and published by Sony, will be released on PC in June 2025. The game features a post-apocalyptic Earth setting where players battle monstrous foes using various combat techniques. The protagonist, Eve, modeled after influencer Shin Jae-Eun, has sparked discussions about representation and aesthetic appeal. A controversial decision to introduce a downloadable outfit for Eve, which included a modest undershirt for the international release, led to backlash and a petition under the hashtag #freestellarblade. Despite this, the gaming community appears to have moved on, with discussions about the game not being nominated for the Game Awards 2024. The PC version will be optimized and include updates from the console version, launching alongside the Goddess of Nikke DLC.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Russian authorities reportedly weigh blocking messaging app calls

Russia's Digital Development Ministry and the federal censorship agency Roskomnadzor are considering changes to the regulation of voice calls through messaging apps to address rising fraud. They are evaluating a potential ban on such calls or restrictions on those originating from abroad, as around 40% of calls through these platforms are fraudulent, with 70% traced to foreign numbers. Telecom operators have expressed concerns about their inability to block these calls independently and are seeking collaboration with Roskomnadzor and messaging app developers. Roskomnadzor has the technological means to block calls if apps violate Russian law, but the Digital Development Ministry is not currently drafting regulations to restrict voice traffic on messaging apps and remains open to industry proposals.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Russia considers complete ban on calls in messaging apps

The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, along with Roskomnadzor, is considering imposing restrictions on voice calls made through messaging applications due to a rise in fraudulent activities. Two scenarios being evaluated include blocking voice traffic from abroad and a complete ban on voice calls within these apps. Roskomnadzor has acknowledged its authority to restrict such calls if they violate Russian law but the Ministry has stated it is not currently drafting regulations for this purpose. Fraudulent calls via messaging apps have surged to about 40% of total traffic, up from 1% three years ago. MegaFon, Russia's second-largest mobile operator, has stated it lacks the technical capabilities to analyze calls from these apps and suggests that additional software on users' smartphones is the only effective way to mitigate fraudulent calls.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

5 Secure Messaging Apps For 2025

In 2025, five noteworthy secure messaging applications include: 1. Signal: Offers default end-to-end encryption, collects minimal user data, has an open-source codebase, and recently introduced usernames for enhanced anonymity. 2. Session: Operates on a decentralized network with end-to-end encryption, does not require a phone number or email for registration, and uses onion routing for metadata protection. 3. WhatsApp: Utilizes end-to-end encryption, offers features like disappearing messages and encrypted backups, but has concerns regarding metadata collection. 4. Wickr: Features military-grade encryption, a zero-knowledge architecture, self-destructing messages, and enterprise-level functionality. 5. Viber: Provides end-to-end encryption, hidden chats secured by PINs, and secure group video calls, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

‘Gooner 9/11’ averted as Zenless Zone Zero’s butt-obfuscation technology is rolled back in the face of horny outrage

A recent update to Zenless Zone Zero led to player backlash after patch 1.4 introduced a change that caused characters to appear faded from certain angles, which players referred to as a "butt filter." This change sparked frustration within the community, with users expressing concerns over perceived censorship and speculating about external pressures, including potential influence from the Chinese government. In response to the outcry, developer MiHoYo announced a hotfix less than 24 hours later, addressing the fading effect and restoring characters' appearances to normal. The community celebrated the reversal, although the motivations behind the initial change remain unclear.