controversies

AppWizard
May 24, 2025
Vietnam's technology ministry has mandated telecommunication service providers to block the messaging application Telegram due to its alleged non-cooperation in addressing criminal activities associated with its users. This directive, dated May 21, requires telecom companies to restrict access to Telegram and report their actions to the ministry by June 2. A report from the police indicated that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam are violating local laws, including fraud and drug trafficking. The ministry highlighted the need for providers to implement measures to prevent Telegram's activities in the country. Telegram has faced scrutiny for not complying with requests for user data during criminal investigations, and the Vietnamese government has previously urged other companies like Facebook and YouTube to help eliminate content deemed "toxic."
AppWizard
May 18, 2025
Cloud Imperium Games has raised over 0 million for Star Citizen through various funding methods over thirteen years. Recently, a new ship upgrade caused significant backlash from the community, with nearly 2,000 forum responses expressing discontent. Players criticized the introduction of purchasable flight blades, with some feeling disillusioned about investing further in the game. Despite the criticism, some players remain excited about the Greycat MTC, a planetary exploration vehicle priced at . In response to the uproar, Cloud Imperium Games announced that flight blades would be available for in-game currency in the upcoming June patch and acknowledged the need for better alignment between store items and in-game availability. The development of Star Citizen and its single-player counterpart, Squadron 42, continues, with Chris Roberts suggesting Squadron 42 may launch in 2026.
AppWizard
May 17, 2025
Apple TV+ has released a new sci-fi series titled "Murderbot," adapted from Martha Wells’ "Murderbot Diaries." The show features Alexander Skarsgård as a self-aware cyborg tasked with protecting scientists on an uninhabited planet while secretly binge-watching a space opera. The first two episodes are now available for streaming. FX's "Welcome to Wrexham," a docuseries about a Welsh football club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, returns for its fourth season on Hulu. " Duster," an action drama set in the 1970s, stars Josh Holloway and is now streaming on Max. Amazon's "Overcompensating," a college comedy created by and starring Benito Skinner, follows a closeted freshman and his outsider friend on a journey of self-discovery, with all eight episodes available on Prime Video. "The Brutalist," a historical drama starring Adrien Brody, is now streaming on Max after winning three Academy Awards. The Apple TV+ documentary "Deaf President Now!" recounts a 1988 protest at Gallaudet University for a Deaf president, directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. "The Quilters," a documentary short about incarcerated men making quilts for foster children, is available on Netflix. The "Minecraft Movie," featuring Jack Black, is now available for purchase on Amazon. Disney's live-action "Snow White" can now be watched on VOD platforms despite previous controversies surrounding its production.
AppWizard
May 10, 2025
This year's Star Wars Day has generated excitement among fans and gamers, partly due to the success of the Andor TV series and the announcement of Star Wars Zero Company from Bit Reactor. EA is offering discounts of up to 85% on its Star Wars games on Steam, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for .99 (£5.24) and Jedi Survivor for .99 (£11.99). The 2015 reboot of Star Wars: Battlefront is available for .99, while Battlefront 2 is priced at .99 (£6.99). Star Wars: Squadrons is also on sale for .99 (£5.24). These offers will be available until May 15. Future Star Wars gaming projects include Zero Company, a third Jedi game from Respawn, and ongoing developments for Star Wars Eclipse and the KOTOR Remake.
AppWizard
May 6, 2025
The trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 has been released, showcasing impressive graphics and attention to detail. The game is set for release in 2026 and is expected to be one of the most successful video games in history. Rockstar Games is in a strong position, with GTA Online generating significant revenue, allowing for a lengthy development period. Despite challenges in the gaming industry, including layoffs and the struggles of several studios, major projects like GTA 6 and others from prominent developers are underway. The development of Red Dead Redemption 2 faced issues related to crunch periods, but Rockstar has committed to improving working conditions.
AppWizard
May 6, 2025
TeleMessage, an encrypted messaging application, has temporarily suspended its services following a security breach. The platform was used by dismissed national security adviser Mike Waltz during a Cabinet meeting, and a leaked image of his inbox showed conversations with notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The breach, reported by 404 Media, did not access messages among Cabinet members but compromised data from Customs and Border Protection, cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, and various financial institutions. The hacker claimed the breach was easy, completing it within 15-20 minutes. Signal, the platform from which TeleMessage archives messages, stated it cannot guarantee the security of unofficial versions. TeleMessage was acquired by U.S. company Smarsh last year for archiving communications. Following controversies, including Waltz's accidental inclusion in a group chat discussing a military operation, he was removed from his position, and President Trump expressed skepticism about using Signal for government communications.
AppWizard
April 9, 2025
Jack Black and Jason Momoa's A Minecraft Movie has achieved significant box office success, grossing 3 million domestically and 0.7 million internationally for a worldwide total of 3.7 million within its opening weekend. The film surpassed initial projections and set a new record for video game adaptations, exceeding the previous record held by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which opened to 6.3 million. The production budget for A Minecraft Movie was million. In contrast, Captain America: Brave New World earned million domestically and had a total gross of 2 million, while Disney's Snow White opened to .2 million against a 0 million budget. The film's success has generated optimism for future releases in April 2025.
AppWizard
March 25, 2025
A congressman described the situation as "FUBAR," reflecting disarray over revelations that Trump administration officials discussed military strategies in a Signal app group chat. Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was inadvertently included, and the chat involved Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussing potential military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Brian Hughes from the National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the group, which raises concerns about national security protocols and potential violations of the Espionage Act. The chat included discussions critical of European nations regarding U.S. military support. Goldberg noted skepticism about the chat's authenticity due to the use of emojis, and Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the professionalism of the dialogue.
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