deceptive practices

Winsage
February 9, 2025
Microsoft has released an 'uninstall document' for its Edge browser that focuses on promoting Edge's features rather than providing clear instructions for uninstallation. Users can only find a 'repair' option in the control panel, with no official way to fully remove Edge. This strategy appears aimed at encouraging users to keep Edge, despite its competition with Google Chrome. The approach is reminiscent of subscription cancellation processes that use persuasive tactics to retain users. The document's intent seems disingenuous, as it does not facilitate uninstallation. This strategy may lead to increased user aversion to Edge.
AppWizard
December 2, 2024
Researchers have identified 15 predatory loan applications on the Google Play Store that collectively garnered eight million downloads before being removed. These apps, which falsely advertised low-interest loans, engaged in extortion and harassment of users, particularly targeting individuals in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, including countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Senegal. The apps requested a one-time passcode to access user location information for their predatory practices. Users are advised to check app ratings, download numbers, and reviews to verify app legitimacy.
AppWizard
November 27, 2024
McAfee has identified 15 "predatory loan apps" on the Android platform that pose significant risks, having been downloaded over 8 million times globally. These apps exploit users through deceptive practices, often leading to financial distress. Users are advised to uninstall these applications, research apps before downloading, monitor app permissions, stay informed about cybersecurity news, and utilize security software for protection.
AppWizard
September 24, 2024
Android users are advised to uninstall two applications, Wuta Camera and Max Browser, which have been found to contain a new variant of Necro malware. These apps have over 11 million downloads combined and can install harmful payloads, including adware, tools for subscription fraud, and mechanisms for routing malicious traffic. Wuta Camera has over 10 million downloads, while Max Browser has 1 million. Google has removed Max Browser from its platform, but Wuta Camera is still available after a recent update that eliminated the malware. Users are encouraged to delete these apps and consider using antivirus software to check for infections.
AppWizard
September 20, 2024
Meta has announced a global ban on several Russian state-controlled media outlets, including the TV network RT and the media group Rossiya Segodnya, across its platforms Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. The ban is a response to concerns about deceptive practices employed by these media networks to influence public opinion. This decision follows sanctions imposed on RT by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who accused the network of facilitating disinformation. Rossiya Segodnya and RT are Kremlin-backed organizations that present themselves as independent but share the same editor-in-chief. Both have faced bans in various countries for disseminating disinformation and promoting Russian propaganda. Meta has a history of implementing similar bans, including the suspension of Donald Trump's account in 2021 and the banning of Alex Jones for violating community standards.
AppWizard
July 15, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against NGL Labs, a California-based company, for unfairly marketing to minors, overstating its efforts to protect users from cyberbullying, sending fake messages to trick users into signing up for paid subscriptions, violating laws around collecting personal data of children under 13, and failing to comply with COPPA privacy protections.
AppWizard
July 10, 2024
The FTC banned the NGL app from serving users under 18 due to unfair marketing practices, false claims about content moderation, and deceptive business practices related to its premium subscription plan. NGL Labs, the parent company, and the app co-founders reached a settlement with the FTC and the Los Angeles DA's office, agreeing to pay a fine and implement an age restriction on the app.
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