digital rights Archives

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

WhatsApp Blocked in Russia: Messaging App Faces Crackdown

Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, plans to impose stricter restrictions on WhatsApp due to allegations of its use in activities that violate Russian law, such as organizing terrorist acts and fraud. WhatsApp has not met compliance standards, leading to extended limitations and the possibility of a complete ban if violations continue. Users have experienced a decline in call quality since August, prompting a recommendation to switch to domestic messaging apps. Andrey Svintsov, a deputy chairman in the State Duma, anticipates a potential shutdown of WhatsApp in Russia within four to six months, attributing restrictions to the app's owners' unwillingness to cooperate with Russian authorities and concerns over data security.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

You Can’t Delete This Samsung App—And It Might Be Spying on You

Samsung faces criticism for allegations that certain budget-friendly Galaxy A and M smartphones are preloaded with unremovable spyware, particularly affecting users in the Middle East and North Africa. The Lebanese digital rights organization SMEX has highlighted a pre-installed application called AppCloud on some Galaxy A and M devices sold in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. AppCloud, developed by ironSource, collects sensitive user data without explicit consent during device setup and is difficult to uninstall, often reinstalling after a device reset. Concerns have been raised about its potential use for surveillance and targeted cyberattacks, especially in politically sensitive areas. SMEX has called for increased transparency from Samsung, which has not yet responded. Independent research validating these claims about AppCloud's impact on privacy is currently lacking.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

‘Unremovable Israeli spyware’ on your Samsung phone? Here’s what the controversy is all about

Samsung is facing controversy over a pre-installed application called AppCloud on its budget devices, particularly in the Galaxy A, M, and F series. AppCloud recommends popular third-party applications during setup or updates, but many users consider it bloatware due to its inability to be uninstalled. The app is associated with ironSource, a company owned by Unity, which has raised concerns about potential data harvesting and surveillance, particularly in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and India. A social media post characterized AppCloud as “unremovable Israeli spyware,” referencing an analysis by the digital rights organization SMEX. The app operates with system app permissions, complicating removal for average users. IronSource has a history of bundling applications that have been criticized for monetization without user consent. While claims about AppCloud's spying capabilities are unverified, the app's presence and removal difficulties have unsettled users, leading to speculation that Samsung may eventually allow users to uninstall or disable it.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Concord’s surprise return might be short-lived as dev suspends invites after “worrying legal action”‘

A group of fans has initiated a project called Concord Delta to reverse-engineer Concord, a hero shooter from Firewalk Studios that Sony had declared "permanently sunsetting." They have developed matchmaking capabilities and planned private playtesting, but faced DMCA takedowns shortly after announcing their efforts. Following Concord's closure, refunds were issued to players, stripping them of legal entitlement to the game, complicating the reverse-engineering efforts. While boxed copies of Concord exist, the situation highlights the contrast between physical ownership and digital rights. The dissolution of Firewalk Studios raises doubts about a formal return for Concord, despite community enthusiasm for a potential free-to-play PC version.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

GOG’s 2025 Autumn Sale Kicks Off This Week, Save On Hundreds Of PC Games

GOG's annual Autumn sale has started, offering significant discounts on a wide range of PC games. The sale runs until November 5. GOG is notable for its absence of Digital Rights Management (DRM), allowing players to download and install games on multiple devices without restrictions. Discounts include Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion, The Alters, the definitive editions of the Mafia Trilogy, and RoboCop: Rogue City. Classic titles available include Brutal Legend, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Grim Fandango Remastered, the enhanced version of The Witcher 2, and The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt Complete Edition. GOG is also the exclusive platform for the original versions of Resident Evil and Dino Crisis.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Supreme Court rejects lady doctor’s claim that access to WhatsApp is fundamental right; suggests can use Zoho’s Arattai app – The Times of India

The Supreme Court of India ruled that access to private digital platforms like WhatsApp is not a constitutionally guaranteed right. Users must adhere to the terms of service of these private entities, and the court dismissed arguments claiming violation of free speech, suggesting such issues should be addressed through regulatory or civil channels. Dr. Raman Kundra sought restoration of her WhatsApp account for professional and personal use but was advised to consider alternatives like the Arattai app, which has gained significant traction in India. Launched in 2021, Arattai briefly surpassed competitors in app store rankings and is positioned as a "spyware-free, made-in-India messenger," endorsed by government officials. It offers features such as one-to-one and group chats, audio and video calls with end-to-end encryption, multi-device support, and broadcasting capabilities.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

Four Crysis games arrive on GOG with a steep discount, but not the one I really want

The Crysis trilogy, developed by Crytek, is available on GOG, including the original Crysis and the Crysis Remastered Trilogy. The remastered versions do not include the original Crysis 2 or Crysis 3. GOG offers these games DRM-free, allowing offline play. The original Crysis is noted for its high performance, with a Metacritic score of 91. Currently, there is a 75% discount on GOG, with prices at approximately .99 for Crysis and .49 for the Remastered Trilogy. The sale runs until Tuesday, October 7.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows DRM video playback issues for some users

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 11 24H2 systems related to the playback of DRM-protected video content in Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital TV applications. Users reported freezes, black screens, and playback disruptions after installing the August 29, 2025 Windows non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later updates. The issue particularly affects applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio, leading to copyright protection errors. Microsoft released KB5065789, the September 2025 Windows preview update, which has "partially resolved" these playback issues for some users, but some DRM-related challenges may still persist. Additionally, Microsoft addressed other problems from the August 2025 updates, including installation issues for non-admin users and severe lag in NDI streaming software on Windows 10 and 11. They also fixed a known issue causing security updates via WSUS to fail and released emergency updates for bugs affecting Windows reset and recovery operations.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Microsoft confirms DRM playback issues in Windows

Microsoft has announced a remake of its DreamScene video wallpaper feature for Windows, while also confirming playback issues in Windows 11 version 24H2. Users may experience difficulties playing protected content after installing the non-security preview update from August 29, 2025, or subsequent updates, including the cumulative update from September 9, 2025. The issues primarily affect applications using the Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM, resulting in copyright protection errors, playback interruptions, freezing, or black screens. This problem does not affect popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max. Microsoft is working on a resolution and has suggested options for users, including downgrading the operating system, switching to alternative playback applications, or refraining from watching DRM-protected content until a fix is released.

TrendTechie

September 23, 2025

«Пираты» слили в Сеть новый Silent Hill f за два дня до релиза

Japanese developer Konami has released its latest horror survival title, Silent Hill f, exclusively for Deluxe edition owners. The game was quickly pirated and appeared on torrent sites on its launch day, with reports indicating that pirates cracked it within hours. The developers used basic digital rights management (DRM), allowing the creation of a 42.5 GB game image for distribution. The official release is set for September 25, with pre-order prices starting at .99 on Steam. Silent Hill f has received an 87 out of 100 score on OpenCritic, and 85% of 133 reviews on Steam are positive, praising its immersive atmosphere, graphics, and narrative.