Digital Services Act Archives

BetaBeacon

September 23, 2025

Google to launch AI assistant for live coaching in Android games

Google has developed an AI agent for gaming that can provide live coaching without interrupting gameplay. The company is also introducing a new "gamer profile" feature on the Play Store. These updates come as Google's Play Store revenue increased by 20% in Q2.

AppWizard

September 10, 2025

Von der Leyen looking into EU social media ban for minors

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is considering potential restrictions on social media usage for minors in the EU, inspired by Australia's ban on social media access for teenagers under 16. She plans to form a panel of experts to explore strategies for protecting young users and emphasizes parental involvement. Currently, regulations on social media access for minors vary by EU country, with most platforms requiring users to be at least 13. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France may impose a ban on social media for children under 15 if a unified European approach is not established. Several EU nations have advised against allowing children under 15 to use social media due to concerns about well-being. The European Commission has released guidelines under the Digital Services Act aimed at protecting minors from online risks and is collaborating with five EU countries to develop a national age verification application.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store

Android developers distributing applications through third-party app stores will be required to undergo identity verification by Google starting in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout expected in 2027. Developers must submit personal information, including legal name, address, email, and phone number, and may need to provide a government-issued ID. This change primarily affects developers outside the Google Play Store, as identity verification is already standard for those using it. Google aims to enhance security and reduce malware risks through this initiative. The company plans to create a separate Android developer console for non-commercial developers, imposing restrictions on apps and installations. Google is inviting developers to sign up for early access to the new rules and provide feedback before the official launch.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google introduces mandatory verification for Android apps

Google will require all applications installed on certified Android devices to originate from verified developers starting in 2026. This applies to apps downloaded from the Play Store, alternative app stores, or sideloaded. The initiative is in response to a rise in attacks targeting personal and financial information, with sideloading identified as a high-risk method for malware distribution. Developers will need to submit their official name, address, email, and phone number for verification. A new Android Developer Console will be introduced for developers distributing outside the Play Store, and a tailored account type will be available for students and hobby developers. The rollout will begin in phases, with early access in October 2025 and a broader rollout in March 2026, extending to additional countries by September 2026 and globally by 2027. Developers will still be able to sideload or use alternative app stores.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store

Google is enhancing security measures for Android app distribution by verifying developer identities, starting next year. This initiative will affect all certified Android devices globally, with a phased rollout. Developers can still distribute apps through alternative app stores or sideloading, but anonymity will be reduced to combat malware and fraud. Google reported that sideloaded apps encounter over 50 times more malware than those on the Google Play Store, where developer verification has been required since 2023. Developers can sign up for early access in October 2025, with full verification expected by March 2026. By September 2026, apps installed in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand must comply, with a global rollout in 2027. Developers will need to provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number, which may lead some to register as businesses for privacy. Google will also offer a tailored Android Developer Console account for student and hobbyist developers.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google Android Developer Identity Verification Policy 2026 – News and Statistics

Google will require all developers distributing Android applications outside of the Play Store to undergo identity verification starting globally in 2026. This policy aims to reduce malware threats and enhance user data protection. The verification process will begin with an early access program in October 2025, followed by mandatory verification in March 2026, initially enforced in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a wider rollout expected in 2027. Developers must provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number. Google will also create a separate account type for student and hobbyist developers. The Play Store has required developer verification since 2023.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Discord: Why the messaging app is under scrutiny

Russia's telecoms regulator, Roskomnadzor, banned Discord due to its failure to prevent illicit activities such as terrorism and drug trafficking, particularly after not complying with a directive to remove nearly a thousand pieces of inappropriate content. This ban is part of a trend targeting Western social media platforms since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Following Russia, Turkey's BTK communications authority also banned Discord, citing the need to protect children from online threats and ongoing investigations into blackmailing minors. In the U.S., Discord is under FBI scrutiny for grooming minors and distributing child sexual abuse material, with 35 prosecutions linked to the platform in the past six years. Additionally, regulators in Germany and France have raised concerns about Discord's data collection methods, leading to an €800,000 fine in France for failing to comply with EU data protection regulations. Launched in May 2015, Discord has over 150 million active users and is popular for its voice and text communication features, but has also faced criticism for facilitating extremist content and political discourse.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Will the CEO’s arrest mean the end of Telegram? 3 alternatives to the secure messaging app

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France as part of an investigation into serious allegations, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Durov faces charges related to fraud, drug trafficking, operating an online platform for illicit transactions, providing cryptographic services to criminals, failing to communicate necessary information to authorities, money laundering, and CSAM. He was charged on August 29 with "complicity" for not adequately addressing illegal content on Telegram and was released on conditional bail set at €5 million, prohibiting him from leaving France. French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that there are no political motivations behind the arrest, emphasizing it is part of an ongoing judicial investigation.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

No messaging app is reliable Kremlin

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian presidential administration does not use messenger applications for official correspondence due to information security concerns. He emphasized that "no messenger is reliable" for safeguarding sensitive communications. Peskov denied rumors that officials were directed to delete messages for security reasons. This statement follows the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France, who faces preliminary charges related to illegal activities on his platform. The Kremlin has not commented extensively on Durov's arrest, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that the situation underscores Telegram's security. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Durov's detention is part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not politically motivated. Telegram has denied any wrongdoing, asserting compliance with EU regulations. The incident has drawn criticism from various leaders, viewing the arrest as an infringement on free speech.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

What is Telegram and how does it work? The controversial messaging app founded by Pavel Durov

Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, was arrested in France related to an investigation into crimes involving child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions. Telegram, launched in 2013, has over 950 million monthly active users and offers free messaging, voice, and video calls. It features group chats and channels that can have large memberships, with group chats accommodating up to 200,000 members and channels having unlimited subscribers. While Telegram uses encryption for chats and calls, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is only available for one-on-one Secret Chats, not for group chats or channels. Telegram has faced bans in several countries, including Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, and Spain, often due to political or security issues.