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Russia blocks YouTube and WhatsApp
AppWizard
February 13, 2026

Russia blocks YouTube and WhatsApp

Russia's internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has made YouTube inaccessible in the country by removing its domain from the National Domain Name System (NDNS) servers, which prevents direct access without a VPN. YouTube is now blocked along with WhatsApp, as part of a broader crackdown on digital communication tools. The NDNS serves as a government-mandated alternative directory that restricts telecommunications providers to using it exclusively, allowing centralized control over website accessibility. Roskomnadzor has removed 13 domain names from NDNS, including those of international news outlets and social media platforms. A survey indicates that 46% of Russian users utilize VPNs to access YouTube, but 24% still experience connectivity issues. Users report frustration with internet access quality and potential repercussions from government legislation against searching for "extremist material" or using VPNs. Experts warn that reliance on NDNS could limit normal DNS functionality and highlight risks associated with VPN use, including government manipulation of IP addresses. Roskomnadzor cites violations of Russian law to justify its control over platforms like Telegram.
Russia Launches National Messenger App with Government Integration | Ukraine news
AppWizard
June 24, 2025

Russia Launches National Messenger App with Government Integration | Ukraine news

On June 24, Vladimir Putin established a "national messenger" in Russia through a decree, which was published on the official legal information portal. The service will be built on domestic software and aims to attract over 500,000 daily users. It is designed for messaging and voice calls in Russian and other languages spoken in the Russian Federation, and will support advertising in these languages. The platform will integrate with the Russian digital services portal “Gosuslugi,” allowing access to official documents. Features will include electronic document signing and serve as a communication hub for students and educators. The State Duma passed a bill advocating for the messenger on June 10, emphasizing the need for a multifunctional information exchange service. Anton Gorelkin stated that the introduction of the messenger would not block Telegram in Russia if it complies with legal requirements. Russia has imposed restrictions on social networks and messaging platforms, including limiting access to X (formerly Twitter) in 2021 and banning Facebook and Instagram in March 2022. In August 2024, Roskomnadzor blocked the Signal messenger for violations of Russian legislation.
What are the most secure messaging apps in 2025? Here’s how to keep your online communications safe
AppWizard
May 27, 2025

What are the most secure messaging apps in 2025? Here’s how to keep your online communications safe

A leaked Signal group chat, referred to as Signalgate, has raised concerns about national security and the use of messaging applications for sensitive information exchange. The incident involved former U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of Atlantic, who was mistakenly added to the chat meant for national security leaders discussing military operations. This breach has prompted discussions about the security protocols of digital communication tools used by government officials.
American Oversight v. DOGE, Musk, Davis, Gleason, and Rubio — Use of Signal Messaging App and Google Docs to Circumvent Federal Records Laws
AppWizard
April 30, 2025

American Oversight v. DOGE, Musk, Davis, Gleason, and Rubio — Use of Signal Messaging App and Google Docs to Circumvent Federal Records Laws

American Oversight has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and several individuals, including Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, Amy Gleason, and Steve Davis. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Federal Records Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) due to the use of the Signal messenger app and Google Docs, which purportedly compromised public records and transparency in government operations.
Trump administration used Signal app to discuss Houthi attack plans
AppWizard
March 26, 2025

Trump administration used Signal app to discuss Houthi attack plans

A journalist accessed classified U.S. military details regarding plans to engage with Houthi forces due to a security lapse in the Signal messaging application. The breach occurred when a user mistakenly shared confidential military documents through the app, emphasizing the risks of human error in secure communications. Signal is an encrypted messaging platform known for its user privacy and security, utilizing end-to-end encryption.
What is Signal, the app used in reported leak of US plans to strike Houthis?
AppWizard
March 25, 2025

What is Signal, the app used in reported leak of US plans to strike Houthis?

A recent incident involving Signal, a messaging application, inadvertently provided a journalist with access to classified U.S. military plans for striking Houthi targets in Yemen. This occurred due to a flaw in the app's security protocols, not through hacking or malicious intent. The situation highlights vulnerabilities in digital communication platforms and raises concerns about the effectiveness of current security practices for handling sensitive information.
Is Instagram down? Users report issues with Facebook and Messenger, too.
AppWizard
February 26, 2025

Is Instagram down? Users report issues with Facebook and Messenger, too.

Users of Instagram and Facebook experienced a brief service disruption on February 26, with both platforms, including Facebook Messenger, down for approximately one hour around 1 PM EST. While most of Instagram's features were operational, users faced significant messaging issues. Reports of the outage declined swiftly, indicating a quick resolution, although Meta has not yet issued a formal statement.
The double-edged sword of privacy: The truth about encrypted messaging apps
AppWizard
September 17, 2024

The double-edged sword of privacy: The truth about encrypted messaging apps

Prominent figures in tech and cybersecurity, including Andy Greenberg, Natalia Krapiva, and Matthew Green, discussed the influences shaping communication technologies. They explored the importance of privacy in digital communication, questioning what it means for applications to protect conversations from scrutiny. The experts emphasized that privacy is a fundamental right essential for democratic society, not just a concern for those with something to hide. They highlighted the need for robust privacy protections as technology evolves. An auto-generated transcript of the conversation is available on Apple Podcasts.
Signal Private Messenger Blocked in Russia by Roskomnadzor: Report
AppWizard
August 11, 2024

Signal Private Messenger Blocked in Russia by Roskomnadzor: Report

Russia's state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has blocked the encrypted messaging app Signal due to violations of anti-terrorism laws. The app is restricted to ensure compliance with Russian legislation against the misuse of messaging platforms for terrorist purposes. Prior to the block, users reported glitches, and over 1,500 complaints were logged, primarily from major cities. Users can still access Signal via VPNs or its censorship bypass mode. New users are unable to register without a VPN, encountering a "Server Error" when trying to enter their mobile numbers. This represents the first significant effort by Russian authorities to block Signal, following a similar incident with Telegram in 2018.
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