end-to-end encryption Archives

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Russian censorship agency threatens total block of WhatsApp citing terror links

Roskomnadzor, Russia's media regulator, has warned WhatsApp that it could be blocked unless it complies with local laws, citing concerns about the platform's use for terrorist activities and fraud. The agency highlighted WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption as an obstacle for law enforcement. Since August, Roskomnadzor has implemented gradual restrictions, including blocking voice calls and instructing telecom operators to stop text message verifications for new users, with a complete ban possible if compliance is not met. The regulator has suggested users switch to domestic alternatives, such as the state-backed MAX messaging app. WhatsApp has around 97 million users in Russia and has faced increasing scrutiny amid a broader crackdown on foreign messaging services. The company has reiterated its commitment to end-to-end encryption but has not publicly responded to Roskomnadzor's latest threats.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Signal’s president warns AI agents are an existential threat to secure messaging apps

Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, expresses strong concerns about the rise of AI agents, describing them as an “existential threat” to secure messaging platforms and app developers. AI agents require access to sensitive information, creating new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Whittaker points out the risk of prompt injection attacks, which can manipulate AI to execute harmful actions, leading to data breaches. She argues that unrestricted access to user communications by AI agents poses a significant risk to privacy and security, undermining the foundational security of the internet. Whittaker criticizes the reckless implementation of AI by Big Tech companies, suggesting it compromises cybersecurity in favor of rapid deployment and financial pressures.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

‘I don’t trust it’: Russians sceptical about state-backed messenger MAX

MAX is a new messaging platform launched by VK in Moscow, designed to consolidate various services and mandated by Russian authorities to be included in all new smartphones and tablets starting September 1. This move coincides with a ban on calls from foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. MAX is promoted as a secure alternative to foreign apps, but lacks end-to-end encryption, raising privacy concerns. The Russian media regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced plans to consider a complete ban on WhatsApp, which has nearly 100 million users in Russia, citing its role in facilitating criminal activity. Public sentiment is mixed, with some individuals expressing distrust towards MAX while others seem unconcerned about the transition to it or other messaging alternatives.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Hackers Bypass Signal, Telegram And WhatsApp Encryption To Read Messages

CISA has issued a warning about spyware targeting users of instant messaging applications, particularly highlighting the Sturnus trojan, which poses significant risks to Android smartphone users. Sturnus, identified as a banking trojan, can bypass encrypted messaging by capturing messages after they are decrypted on the smartphone screen, rather than cracking the encryption itself. Security expert Aditya Sood noted that Sturnus uses a combination of plaintext, RSA, and AES-encrypted communication, complicating detection efforts. The trojan can read everything displayed on the smartphone screen in real time, including sensitive messages and contacts. CISA also identified tactics used by cyber threat actors, such as phishing, zero-click exploits, and impersonation to gain unauthorized access to messaging apps. Users are advised to keep Google’s Play Protect activated, avoid unauthorized app stores, and be cautious with accessibility permissions to protect against these threats.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) For Android

Conversations (Jabber / XMPP), developed by Daniel Gultsch, is a free and open-source Jabber/XMPP client for Android with a rating of 4.1 stars from over 100,000 users. It offers end-to-end encryption by default using protocols like OMEMO and OpenPGP, and supports encrypted audio and video calls, multimedia sharing, advanced machine-in-the-middle detection, location sharing, voice messaging, emoji reactions, read receipts, high-resolution contact photos, synchronization with desktop clients, support for private group chats and public conferences, integration with the user's address book, and multiple account support through a unified inbox. The app has a minimal impact on battery life and does not require a Google account or Firebase Cloud Messaging. Conversations is priced at USD 7.99.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Watchgram for Telegram For Android

Watchgram for Telegram is an application designed for smartwatches that integrates Telegram messaging features, allowing users to receive real-time notifications, read messages, and send quick replies without needing a smartphone. Key features include real-time notifications, message reading, quick replies via voice or text, secure messaging with end-to-end encryption, a user-friendly interface optimized for smartwatches, and easy setup. The app is open-source, licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, and the source code is available on GitHub. Watchgram operates independently and is not affiliated with Telegram Messenger LLP. The developer is identified as clapps.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

10 Of The Best Free Android Apps You Haven’t Heard Of

A selection of free Android apps with a minimum rating of 4.0 on the Play Store includes: 1. Solid Explorer File Manager - Rated 4.3 stars from 150,000 reviewers; features a dual-pane layout, cloud storage integration, file management across various storage options, batch renaming, and AES encryption. 2. Cashew - Expense Budget Tracker - Rated 4.8 stars; provides visual representations of spending, tracks subscriptions, and securely backs up data via Google Drive. 3. RunPee - Rated 4.7 stars with over 500,000 downloads; notifies users of optimal restroom break moments during movies and provides summaries of missed scenes. 4. Orbot: Tor for Android - Rated 4.0 stars; connects users to the Tor network for enhanced online privacy and allows for device-wide or app-specific encryption. 5. Libby, the Library App - Rated 4.8 stars; connects users to their local library's digital collection for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks, supports offline reading, and integrates with Kindle devices. 6. Image Toolbox - Edit & Convert - Rated 4.7 stars; offers photo editing capabilities, file format conversions, and an OCR feature for text extraction. 7. MacroDroid - Device Automation - Rated 4.4 stars; allows users to create custom automation workflows with over 80 triggers and 100 actions. 8. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser - Rated 4.6 stars; enables the creation of lightweight web-based applications with features like ad blocking and dark mode. 9. Bitwarden Password Manager - Rated 4.8 stars; provides secure password management with end-to-end encryption and syncing across devices. 10. ReadEra - Book Reader PDF EPUB - Rated 4.8 stars; supports various document formats, offers an ad-free reading experience, and includes features like bookmarks and text-to-speech.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Meta Introduces Ads To WhatsApp As Messaging App Expands Revenue Strategy

WhatsApp has announced the introduction of advertisements in its "Updates" tab, which is used by approximately 1.5 billion daily users. Personal chats will remain free from ads, and the platform assures that end-to-end encryption will protect private conversations from being used for advertising purposes. This shift marks a departure from WhatsApp's previous ad-free policy, originally upheld by its founders. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is looking to monetize the app, which has over 2.5 billion users, while maintaining user trust and privacy. Advertisements will be targeted using limited user information, and two additional revenue-generating features have been introduced: paid subscriptions for Channels and promoted channels. Meta reported total revenue of 4.5 billion in 2025, with .6 billion coming from advertising across its platforms. Analysts suggest the introduction of ads could impact user experience, with the potential to alienate users who value WhatsApp's simplicity and ad-free environment. Meta plans to monitor user feedback as it rolls out the advertising initiative.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

EU Gets WhatsApp Third-Party Messaging: Here’s What You Can Expect

WhatsApp is introducing a beta feature for European users that allows them to send and receive messages from other messaging platforms, starting with BirdyChat. This initiative is a response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major platforms to collaborate with competitors. Users can exchange messages, images, videos, and voice notes securely, although some WhatsApp features like status updates and disappearing messages will not be available in cross-platform conversations. The feature will be opt-in by default, allowing users to control communication preferences, and currently only BirdyChat is supported, with future integration from other apps expected. This feature is in beta within EU regions, with no plans for expansion outside Europe at this time.