government Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Russia launches national messaging app to reduce reliance on WhatsApp, Telegram

Russia has introduced a national messaging service aimed at reducing dependence on foreign platforms, as announced by Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy. The domestic application is intended to provide a secure and multifunctional alternative to services like WhatsApp and Telegram, contributing to a unique digital ecosystem and enhancing digital security. Boyarsky stated that the initiative is not meant to ban foreign messaging services but to promote competition, emphasizing that these services can continue operating if they comply with Russian laws. The development reflects a broader shift towards adopting domestic applications and improving digital infrastructure in Russia.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Vietnam to block messaging app Telegram over ‘anti-state’ contents

The Vietnamese government has instructed telecommunications companies to block the Telegram messaging app, citing security concerns and the dissemination of "anti-state" content. This directive was issued by the Telecommunications Department and requires service providers to report compliance by June 2. A document from the Ministry of Public Security indicated that 68% of approximately 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were classified as “bad and toxic,” involved in activities such as anti-state messaging, fraud, and drug trafficking. The government referenced Article 9 of the Telecommunications Law and Decree 147 to justify the ban, claiming Telegram had not complied with regulations. Despite the ban, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the report date. Telegram expressed surprise at the government's actions and confirmed it is responding to legal requests from Vietnam.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Forced E-Waste PCs And The Case Of Windows 11’s Trusted Platform

The process of upgrading Windows operating systems was straightforward until Windows 11, which introduced a new requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), potentially rendering many capable PCs obsolete. The TPM is used for boot validation and storing biometric data, but it complicates data recovery and may lock out legitimate users. Users have found ways to bypass Windows 11's TPM and CPU restrictions, allowing installation on unsupported hardware. Microsoft’s enforcement of these requirements remains uncertain, raising concerns about system reliability and user access to updates. Many users are opting to stay on Windows 10 while advocating for continued support from developers.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Vietnam orders ban on Telegram messaging app over security concerns

Vietnam's telecommunications providers have been instructed to block access to Telegram due to national security concerns and alleged non-compliance with local laws. The Ministry of Information and Communications claims that 70% of Telegram channels in Vietnam are linked to illicit activities, including fraud and drug trafficking. Officials allege that Telegram has failed to remove illegal content and provide user data for investigations. A spokesperson for Telegram stated that the company had responded to legal requests from Vietnam. Vietnam has a history of enforcing strict online content controls, previously threatening to block Facebook and discussing a ban on TikTok. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France earlier this year over allegations related to cybercrime and expressed his commitment to improving the platform's security in light of its rapid user growth to 950 million.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Elon Musk’s xAI partners with messaging app Telegram in $300 million Grok deal

Elon Musk has launched xAI, aiming to uncover fundamental truths of the universe. The startup has partnered with Telegram, agreeing to a 0 million investment for the Grok AI chatbot. Telegram will receive the initial payment and 50% of revenue from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform. Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, mentioned that users can expect advanced AI technology by summer, although Musk later stated that "no deal has been signed." Telegram has over one billion monthly users as of 2025 and is preparing to raise at least .5 billion through a bond issue. Durov is under investigation in France for allowing criminal activities on Telegram and is restricted from leaving the country. xAI has merged with X, valuing the AI company at billion and the social media platform at billion. Grok faced criticism for generating controversial responses, which xAI attributed to an unauthorized modification. The company is working to improve Grok's transparency and reliability.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Japanese Government Releases Free ‘Minecraft’ Map

The Japanese government has released a free Minecraft map replicating the G-Cans underground flood facility, developed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The G-Cans, completed in 2006, is the largest underground flood diversion system in the world, designed to manage overflow from Tokyo's waterways during heavy rainfall. The Minecraft map accurately reflects the facility's design, including five large concrete silos and a network of tunnels spanning 6.4 kilometers. It was created using actual blueprints to provide a realistic experience. The G-Cans features a water tank that is 83 feet high and can discharge up to 200 metric tons of water into the Edo River every second. The map is available on the Edogawa River Office homepage.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

What are the most secure messaging apps in 2025? Here’s how to keep your online communications safe

A leaked Signal group chat, referred to as Signalgate, has raised concerns about national security and the use of messaging applications for sensitive information exchange. The incident involved former U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of Atlantic, who was mistakenly added to the chat meant for national security leaders discussing military operations. This breach has prompted discussions about the security protocols of digital communication tools used by government officials.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Immuta Deepens AWS Integration with Native Support for PostgreSQL on Amazon RDS and Aurora

Immuta has introduced native support for PostgreSQL on Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, now available in public preview. This integration aims to streamline access to PostgreSQL data on AWS through automated policy enforcement and a centralized data marketplace. Key features include automated access provisioning, dynamic policy enforcement, and marketplace integration for PostgreSQL datasets. This support facilitates faster data access, enhances compliance with privacy regulations, and empowers organizations to manage PostgreSQL data effectively in cloud-native environments. The capability is available globally starting today, and the Immuta Platform can be accessed on the AWS Marketplace.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Vietnam acts to block messaging app Telegram, government document seen by Reuters shows

Vietnam's technology ministry has instructed telecommunications providers to block the messaging app Telegram due to its lack of cooperation in addressing criminal activities by its users. A government document revealed that 68 percent of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam violate local laws, involving serious offenses such as fraud, drug trafficking, and potential terrorism links. Service providers must implement blocking measures and report progress to the ministry by June 2.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Vietnam acts to block messaging app Telegram

Vietnam's technology ministry has instructed telecommunication service providers to block the messaging app Telegram due to its lack of cooperation in combating criminal activities among users. This directive, issued on May 21, mandates that service providers implement the block and report their actions by June 2. Findings from the cyber-security department indicated that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were violating laws, including serious offenses like fraud, drug trafficking, and suspected terrorism activities. A representative from the ministry confirmed the document's authenticity, citing Telegram's failure to provide user data during criminal investigations. As of the latest update, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam despite the directive.