controversy Archives

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Messenger, Pinterest, Lyft, Duolingo, Google Maps, Expedia Become Most Invasive Apps of 2025, Here is a New Update

The 2025 App Privacy Index reveals that Messenger is the most invasive app with a privacy risk score of 100/100, followed by Pinterest (72/100), Lyft (69/100), and Amazon Shopping (68/100). DoorDash ranks 5th (66/100) with its consumer app and 9th (58/100) with its driver app. Duolingo, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Expedia complete the top ten most invasive apps. Instagram has a privacy score of 57/100 and recently faced criticism over its new Maps feature, which raises concerns about real-time location tracking. Meta's data collection practices are widespread across its platforms, including Messenger, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Some apps, like TeaOnHer (0/100) and ParentSquare (4/100), prioritize user privacy, contrasting with the other invasive apps. Users are advised to review app permissions and consider privacy-friendly alternatives. The public backlash against Instagram's Maps feature indicates a growing demand for transparency regarding data collection practices. As data protection regulations tighten, there is potential for companies in the travel sector to adopt better privacy practices.

BetaBeacon

August 7, 2025

Epic Games Store reveals new free mobile game for Android and iOS gamers to keep forever

Epic Games Store offers a curated selection of PC and Mac games, with a revenue sharing model that only takes a 12% cut of sales compared to the industry standard of 30%. The store has attracted indie developers and smaller studios, leading to a diverse library of games. Epic Games Store also releases exclusive games for a limited time, attracting players and generating both praise and criticism. Despite controversy, the store continues to grow in popularity with a user-friendly interface, regular sales, and a commitment to supporting developers.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Does MrBeast use AI ‘face-swapping’ technology? YouTuber’s Minecraft video sparks debate

MrBeast is facing accusations of using artificial intelligence in his gaming videos, specifically regarding a clip from his Minecraft gameplay that sparked debate about potential "AI face-swapping technology." The clip garnered 1.6 million views and elicited mixed reactions from the online community, with some users expressing skepticism and others defending him. This is not the first time MrBeast has encountered controversy related to AI; he previously promoted an AI-powered thumbnail generator for his YouTube videos but retracted it after backlash from fellow creators and artists.

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

August 2, 2025

GOG preservationists hit back at “censorship in gaming” by making a bunch of notable NSFW games free-to-own for a limited time: “If a game is legal and responsibly made, players should be able to enjoy it”

GOG has launched FreedomToBuy.games, a platform offering free access to select adult-themed games for 48 hours, including titles like HuniePop and House Party, to promote creative expression in gaming. The initiative is supported by various publishers and aims to preserve adult-oriented games amidst pressures from moralistic lobbyists and credit card companies. GOG emphasizes its role as an archival platform, stating that legal and responsibly made games should be accessible now and in the future. Mastercard clarified that it has not imposed restrictions on game creators or platforms, and GOG noted that delisting games makes it harder to revive them later. Renowned game creator Yoko Taro commented on the potential infringement of free speech due to such censorship.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Data breach causes dating app to take down messaging system

Tea, a dating app for women to review and conduct background checks on men, experienced a data breach on July 25, which was disclosed on July 28. The breach compromised sensitive information, including direct messages and approximately 72,000 user photos. Tea took the affected system offline and reported no evidence of other parts of the system being accessed. Launched in 2023, the app allows women to vet potential dates using crowdsourced information and public records, and over 1.7 million women have engaged with the app. Following the breach, Tea is investigating the incident and encourages users to contact their support team with concerns.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

One of 2024’s best games and a new horror classic has been delisted on Itch.io amid the payment processor crackdown on NSFW games

Itch.io confirmed that the game Mouthwashing has been de-indexed since October 2024, a decision not related to payment processor crackdowns. The game is currently not indexed due to not meeting specific criteria for discoverability on the platform, as it directs users to its Steam page instead of offering purchasable content directly on Itch.io. Despite this, Mouthwashing remains accessible on Itch.io via a direct link and is available for purchase on Steam.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

AdGuard joins the Windows Recall backlash party — “Leaving backdoors wide open and hoping Microsoft will always act in good faith isn’t a solid privacy strategy”

Windows Recall is a feature from Microsoft that has faced criticism for being a potential security hazard and a public relations misstep. It was introduced with the 24H2 release, which included advanced AI functionalities. The feature relies on a neural processing unit (NPU) that operates independently of the cloud to emphasize privacy and security. In April 2025, Windows Recall became widely available for Copilot+ PCs, with security measures like isolating it within a "VBS Enclave" to protect sensitive data. However, skepticism remains, leading platforms like Signal and Brave to implement their own protective measures against Windows Recall. Signal has introduced a feature to prevent Windows Recall from capturing snapshots of its app, while Brave blocks Windows Recall by default for all its browser windows. AdGuard has also released an update to enhance user privacy by allowing users to disable Windows Recall on Copilot+ PCs, expressing doubts about the effectiveness of Microsoft's security measures.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Jonas Martensson: Minecraft figure on LIV Golf and Cleeks role

Jonas Martensson, former CEO of Mojang Studios, is now the general manager of Cleeks GC in LIV Golf. He transitioned from gaming to professional sports management, focusing on team building and brand identity. Cleeks GC features players like Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, and Frederik Kjettrup, with an average team age of 37. Martensson aims to develop future talent and create a strong fan base through a team-centric model. LIV Golf has secured significant sponsorships, including a multi-year deal with HSBC, and operates lucrative individual and team events. Martensson envisions expanding LIV Golf's reach with fixed event locations in Northern Europe.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Ready or Not has sold 1 million units on console, 10 times faster than what was achieved on PC, proving that the ‘censorship’ was worth it

Void Interactive implemented an update for the game Ready or Not to align with console standards, which some interpreted as censorship, leading to backlash from the PC gaming community and negative reviews on Steam. Despite this, the game sold 1 million units within 3.6 days of its console launch. Concurrent players on Steam increased from under 6,000 to 40,000, approaching the all-time peak of 55,174. The game currently has a predominantly negative rating on Steam, with complaints about the removal of key story content and a desire for a toggle option for censorship features. Rodriguez from the development team expressed pride in the team's achievements and commitment to improving the game.