free speech Archives

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argues banning Twitter over its ability to AI-generate pornographic images of minors is just ‘gatekeepers’ attempting to ‘censor all of their political opponents’

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized a US initiative to ban the social media platform X and its generative AI tool, Grok, following reports of Grok generating inappropriate images, including those of minors. Sweeney emphasized the importance of open platforms and opposed political demands for censorship, labeling it as crony capitalism. Reports indicated that Grok produced troubling content, including altered images of influencers in compromising situations. In response to the controversy, X has placed Grok's image generation feature behind a paywall. Sweeney's stance on free speech contrasts with censorship practices on his own platforms, such as the Epic Games Store's ban on the art game Horses due to pressure from conservative groups. He acknowledged the dangers of AI, noting that major AIs have instances of misuse.

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

September 29, 2025

F-Droid calls for regulators to stop Google’s crackdown on sideloading

F-Droid warns that independent app development on Android may be threatened by Google's developer verification program, which could impose registration fees and collect personal information from developers. Google is currently testing this verification system, asking developers if they can pay in USD, indicating potential costs for app creation. F-Droid argues that requiring registration undermines user autonomy and free speech, and accuses Google of attempting to consolidate its app distribution monopoly under the guise of security. The organization is urging regulators in the U.S. and EU to examine Google's plans, especially in light of ongoing antitrust scrutiny. F-Droid encourages developers and users to advocate for action, particularly through the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act to protect free and open-source software. The pilot verification program is set to begin next month, with phased restrictions starting in select markets and a broader rollout expected by 2027.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Editorial

Messaging app Telegram has applied for registration in Nepal after facing a ban imposed by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority due to its association with criminal activities. The ban, enacted in July, followed an increase in cybercrime linked to Telegram, including cyber fraud. Telegram is known for its cloud-based architecture, encryption, and privacy features, which have made it popular for secure communication but also a platform for illicit activities. Recent scrutiny has led to Telegram's co-founder, Pavel Durov, being arrested in France amid an investigation into crimes facilitated by the app. Although Telegram has started complying with legal requests in certain jurisdictions, this does not include Nepal. The Nepalese government is seeking to establish a framework that balances user privacy with public safety as it considers Telegram's registration.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

GOG preservationists hit back at “censorship in gaming” by making a bunch of notable NSFW games free-to-own for a limited time: “If a game is legal and responsibly made, players should be able to enjoy it”

GOG has launched FreedomToBuy.games, a platform offering free access to select adult-themed games for 48 hours, including titles like HuniePop and House Party, to promote creative expression in gaming. The initiative is supported by various publishers and aims to preserve adult-oriented games amidst pressures from moralistic lobbyists and credit card companies. GOG emphasizes its role as an archival platform, stating that legal and responsibly made games should be accessible now and in the future. Mastercard clarified that it has not imposed restrictions on game creators or platforms, and GOG noted that delisting games makes it harder to revive them later. Renowned game creator Yoko Taro commented on the potential infringement of free speech due to such censorship.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

New ICE reporting app sparks national debate over safety, free speech

A new app called ICEBlock alerts users about nearby Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity by allowing them to report sightings of ICE officers. The app has quickly gained popularity on the Apple App Store and is designed to track location and send push notifications when ICE is reported within a five-mile radius. Users can report sightings anonymously, with reports deleted within four hours, and can only report once every five minutes. The app developer, Joshua Aaron, created it to protect vulnerable communities and insists it is not intended to obstruct law enforcement. Critics, including U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, argue that the app undermines law enforcement and endangers ICE officers. Aaron has faced criticism for not making the app available on Android due to concerns about user anonymity. He emphasizes that the app is legal and protected under the First Amendment.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Perspective – Why online privacy is vital: Insights from messaging app Signal’s president

Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, emphasized the need for enhanced personal data protection and criticized major tech companies for their pervasive data collection practices with minimal oversight. She called for structural reforms to regulate user data management and highlighted that a few tech giants dominate data collection without adequate transparency. Whittaker advocated for comprehensive regulations to safeguard user privacy and protect free speech, reflecting growing concerns among consumers and privacy advocates about the balance between technology and individual rights.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Decentralized Messenger Session Goes Live on Arbitrum With $SESH Token Launch

The decentralized encrypted messenger app, Session, is launching its token, $SESH, on May 21st, 2025, coinciding with the mainnet launch of the new Session Network after a testing phase. Session has over one million monthly active users and operates on a specialized DePIN network with more than 2,000 nodes, ensuring user privacy and anonymity. The total supply of $SESH is capped at 240 million, with an initial release of up to 80 million tokens at the Token Generation Event (TGE). Users can stake 25,000 $SESH tokens to operate a Session Node, ensuring network integrity. The application emphasizes minimal metadata collection and offers features like emoji reactions, voice calls, and group chats. Session is now managed by the nonprofit Session Technology Foundation based in Zug, Switzerland.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft blocks emails that contain ‘Palestine’ after employee protests

Microsoft employees have discovered that emails containing specific terms related to Gaza and Palestine, such as “Palestine,” “Gaza,” and “Genocide,” are being blocked in the company's internal communication system. Variations of these terms, like “Israel” or “P4lestine,” do not face the same restrictions. The No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) protest group claims this selective blocking is an attempt to suppress free speech among employees advocating for Palestinian rights, labeling it as censorship. Microsoft has acknowledged making adjustments to its email system to limit the circulation of “politically focused emails” and stated that emailing large numbers of employees about non-work-related topics is inappropriate. This situation has coincided with protests against Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli government, including disruptions during the Build developer conference.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Technology behind private messaging app Telegram names Maximilian…

The TON Foundation will announce Maximilian Crown as its new CEO on Thursday. This appointment aims to stabilize Telegram, which has a user base of one billion, following the arrest of its founder Pavel Durov in Paris last year. Crown's leadership is seen as a significant step for Telegram, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its multi-functional app amid governmental pressures to access user data. Crown has experience as CFO and COO of MoonPay and has successfully secured operational approvals across various countries. Telegram has transformed into a “Super App,” integrating features such as gaming, shopping, and payment functionalities. The Telegram Open Network (TON) has 41 million active accounts and 121 million Toncoin holders. Toncoin's value is tied to Telegram's fortunes, experiencing fluctuations following Durov's arrest. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of French authorities' actions on Telegram’s blockchain initiatives, especially related to digital privacy and government oversight. Durov was detained for 96 hours and criticized the scrutiny faced by Telegram, warning against legislative efforts that threaten individual freedoms.