Facebook Messenger Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Digital Content Observatory Warns of Rising Blackmail via Instant Messaging Apps

The Digital Content Observatory has reported a significant increase in digital blackmail cases linked to instant messaging applications, driven by the rise in their use across various age groups and a lack of awareness about associated risks. Blackmail schemes often start with fake accounts that engage users and escalate to threats demanding compliance under the risk of exposing personal information. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are favored for these activities due to their private nature and encryption challenges. The Observatory emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, especially among younger users, advising caution in sharing personal information and encouraging the reporting of blackmail attempts. They highlight the need for improved digital literacy as a preventive measure against unsafe digital practices.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

TikTok Will Now Enable You to Drive Leads to Other Messaging Apps

TikTok has enhanced its Promote ads feature by allowing brands to target direct messages (DMs) through third-party messaging applications, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, and Zalo. Advertisers can now drive message traffic to these external platforms instead of only encouraging interactions within the TikTok app. This change is particularly useful for lead generation campaigns targeting users with compatible messaging apps installed. The supported messaging platforms currently are LINE, Zalo, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. This update aims to improve customer engagement and simplify management of interactions across different messaging channels.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

How to archive Facebook messages on Android

To archive a conversation in the Facebook Messenger app, scroll through your chat list to find the specific chat, press and hold on it to bring up a menu, and select the "Archive" option. This moves the conversation to an archived folder, helping to organize your inbox while keeping messages accessible.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

12 Android apps secretly recorded your conversations

Recent findings from cybersecurity experts at ESET revealed that several Android applications, disguised as harmless tools, have been secretly recording conversations and stealing sensitive data. These malicious apps infiltrated devices through the Google Play Store and third-party platforms, compromising the privacy of thousands of users. One tactic used by cybercriminals involved romantic deception, where victims were coaxed into downloading a seemingly harmless messaging app containing the VajraSpy Trojan, which activated upon installation to record conversations and harvest personal data. The identified malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Standard Messaging Apps with Hidden Trojans: These apps, including Hello Chat, MeetMe, and Chit Chat, request access to personal data and operate silently in the background, stealing contacts, SMS messages, call logs, device location, and installed app lists. 2. Apps Exploiting Accessibility Features: Apps like Wave Chat exploit Android’s accessibility features to intercept communications from secure platforms, record phone calls, keystrokes, and ambient sounds. 3. Single Non-Messaging App: Nidus, a news app, requests a phone number for sign-in and collects contacts and files, increasing the risk of data theft. The 12 malicious Android apps identified include: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. The first six apps were available on the Google Play Store and had over 1,400 downloads before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately to protect their personal data.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is using Google’s apps better than using the ones already on my phone?

Jerry, a tech professional with over 15 years of experience, addresses questions about Android and technology. He emphasizes the dual nature of preinstalled apps on Android phones, which can provide functionality but also clutter the user experience. He suggests that manufacturers should improve backup processes similar to Apple’s. Key apps recommended for Android users include Google Chrome, Google Messages, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. Alternatives to consider are Samsung's web browser, WhatsApp for messaging, Samsung's file browser, and music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Users are encouraged to explore app recommendations and experiment with different applications to enhance their smartphone experience.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

WhatsApp users unable to send messages and connect to app amid online outage

A significant WhatsApp outage is affecting users in the UK and other countries, with a surge in complaints reported. Downdetector indicates that around 49% of users are unable to send messages, and 46% are experiencing issues with the app. The outage has escalated, with over 100 users in the UK reporting problems, up from six an hour earlier. Users from India and the United States have also reported disruptions, with over 3,000 complaints in India, primarily related to message-sending issues. Complaints have been voiced on social media from users in Canada, Brazil, and Singapore. Some users are also facing challenges with other Meta-owned platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This outage follows a previous incident earlier this year that affected at least 68,000 users.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta expands Instagram parental controls and brings them to Facebook

Individuals under the age of 16 will no longer have access to Instagram's live-streaming feature without obtaining parental consent. Users under 16 will also need parental permission to disable a feature that automatically blurs images suspected of containing nudity in direct messages. Teen Accounts, which are set to private and have limited messaging capabilities, were introduced last September, and approximately 54 million teenagers worldwide have transitioned to these accounts. Similar Teen Account features are being rolled out to Facebook and Facebook Messenger.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Factbox-What to know about Signal messaging app used by Trump aides to share war plans

Top officials from the Trump administration included a journalist in a private chat on Signal while discussing sensitive military strategies, leading to calls from Democratic lawmakers for a congressional investigation into a potential security breach. Under U.S. law, mishandling classified information can result in criminal charges, although it is unclear if violations occurred in this case. Signal is a secure messaging app known for its end-to-end encryption and privacy features, not tracking or storing user data. Founded in 2012 by Moxie Marlinspike, Signal operates independently and is overseen by Meredith Whittaker. It has gained popularity among journalists, government agencies, and organizations, particularly after concerns over other messaging platforms' privacy policies. The app is recognized as a secure method for whistleblowers to communicate confidentially. Despite its security reputation, some analysts question its suitability for national security discussions.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Get Rid of These 12 Android Apps That Secretly Record Your Conversations

Security researchers have identified malicious Android applications that invade user privacy by recording audio, intercepting messages, and stealing sensitive data without user consent. A cybersecurity firm, ESET, uncovered a cyber espionage operation that infiltrated Android devices through the Google Play Store and alternative app sources, initially involving six apps on the Play Store with over 1,400 downloads each before their removal. These deceptive apps, which masquerade as messaging services, embed malware capable of tracking user locations and harvesting personal information. Hackers employ tactics like “romance baiting” to trick users into downloading infected apps, such as those containing VajraSpy malware. Experts categorize these malicious apps into three groups: fake messaging apps that steal data, apps exploiting Android’s accessibility features, and a fake news app that harvests user data. A list of twelve flagged apps includes Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat, which should be removed immediately. To protect against spyware apps, users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, run security scans, and stay informed about cybersecurity updates. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, including verifying developers, checking reviews, and avoiding third-party app stores.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

Messenger reverts to dark blue

Meta has updated its messaging platform, Messenger, transitioning from a vibrant gradient color scheme to a sophisticated dark blue design as it moves into 2025. This change aims for a cohesive user experience, enhancing compatibility with dark mode. The redesign may also reflect a broader branding strategy, aligning with co-founder Mark Zuckerberg's desire to return to a more 'original' Facebook aesthetic. The new appearance has sparked discussions about Meta's evolving image and its implications for the app's identity.