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Meta executive called Facebook Messenger encryption plan irresponsible court filing shows
AppWizard
February 24, 2026

Meta executive called Facebook Messenger encryption plan irresponsible court filing shows

Meta is implementing end-to-end encryption across its messaging services for Facebook and Instagram despite internal warnings about potential risks to child safety. Internal documents reveal that executives, including Monika Bickert, expressed concerns that the encryption would hinder the company's ability to report child exploitation incidents to law enforcement. A lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez accuses Meta of enabling predators to access underage users, leading to potential abuse and human trafficking. The New Mexico case is notable as it is the first against Meta to reach a jury amid heightened scrutiny regarding the safety of young users. Over 40 attorneys general are also pursuing claims that Meta's products contribute to youth mental health issues, and various school districts have filed lawsuits. Internal communications indicated that senior safety executives were worried about the implications of encryption, predicting a significant drop in reporting child exploitation cases. A briefing document from February 2019 estimated that child exploitation reporting would decrease by 65% if Messenger were encrypted. In response to these concerns, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone stated that the apprehensions from 2019 led to the development of additional safety features prior to the launch of encrypted messaging in 2023, including special accounts for underage users to protect them from adult contacts they do not know.
WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.
Horror game maker accuses Valve of 'censorship' after its game about nude human 'Horses' is rejected by Steam: 'Lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront's opaque decisions'
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

Horror game maker accuses Valve of ‘censorship’ after its game about nude human ‘Horses’ is rejected by Steam: ‘Lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront’s opaque decisions’

On December 2, Santa Ragione, an Italian game development studio, will release its first-person horror adventure game, Horses, which explores themes like familial trauma and totalitarian power. The game features grotesque imagery set in a ranch environment with nude individuals wearing horse masks. Before its release, Horses received attention at events such as IndieCade and SXSW Sydney. However, Santa Ragione faces potential closure after being banned from Steam due to concerns over content perceived as depicting sexual conduct involving a minor. The studio criticized Steam's lack of clarity in content guidelines and the absence of options for resubmission or appeal. While Epic Games raised issues about visible nudity, the contentious scene in question was not included in external builds until late 2024. Santa Ragione expressed concern over the inconsistency of content standards between different platforms and lamented the loss of access to Steam, which accounts for over 75% of PC game sales. They argue that the ban reflects moralizing censorship and advocate for artistic freedom in gaming.
SRS #255 Ryan Montgomery – Roblox & Minecraft: Hacker Exposes the Larg
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

SRS #255 Ryan Montgomery – Roblox & Minecraft: Hacker Exposes the Larg

Ryan Montgomery is a leading ethical hacker and penetration tester, ranked #1 on TryHackMe's Capture The Flag leaderboard. He is the founder of Pentester, a cybersecurity platform in Boca Raton, Florida, providing tools for vulnerability scanning, data breach detection, and risk mitigation. As Chief Technology Officer of the Sentinel Foundation, he collaborates with law enforcement to combat child exploitation and human trafficking, often infiltrating dark web sites to expose predators. Montgomery has over 19 years of experience in cybersecurity, focusing on ethical hacking, data protection, and online safety. His work aims to protect vulnerable populations and dismantle predatory networks.
YouTube tests an in-app private messaging feature again
AppWizard
November 20, 2025

YouTube tests an in-app private messaging feature again

YouTube is reintroducing its private messaging feature, which was discontinued in 2019, to a select group of users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland. Users can share videos, including long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams, within the mobile app through a full-screen chat interface accessed via the Share button. The feature supports one-on-one conversations and group chats, allowing users to respond with text, videos, or emojis. To ensure user safety, participants must send invites to chat, can unsend messages, block users, and report violations. YouTube will monitor messages for compliance with Community Guidelines.
Editorial
AppWizard
August 29, 2025

Editorial

Messaging app Telegram has applied for registration in Nepal after facing a ban imposed by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority due to its association with criminal activities. The ban, enacted in July, followed an increase in cybercrime linked to Telegram, including cyber fraud. Telegram is known for its cloud-based architecture, encryption, and privacy features, which have made it popular for secure communication but also a platform for illicit activities. Recent scrutiny has led to Telegram's co-founder, Pavel Durov, being arrested in France amid an investigation into crimes facilitated by the app. Although Telegram has started complying with legal requests in certain jurisdictions, this does not include Nepal. The Nepalese government is seeking to establish a framework that balances user privacy with public safety as it considers Telegram's registration.
N.J. sues Discord, alleging the messaging app leaves kids vulnerable to predators
AppWizard
April 18, 2025

N.J. sues Discord, alleging the messaging app leaves kids vulnerable to predators

State officials in New Jersey have filed a lawsuit against Discord, alleging that the messaging platform fails to protect children from online predators and misrepresents its safety features, particularly regarding direct messaging. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin claims that Discord's misleading safety settings have made it a target for predators, exposing young users to risks. Discord has announced its intention to contest the lawsuit, asserting its commitment to safety. The complaint points out that Discord's default settings allow users to receive friend requests from anyone and that its claims about scanning and removing explicit content are misleading. The lawsuit demands that Discord relinquish profits earned in New Jersey and seeks civil penalties, following incidents where inadequate safeguards led to child exploitation. Additionally, a man has been accused of communicating with a 14-year-old victim on Discord after previously assaulting her.
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