human rights Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

‘Intrusion Detection’ might help Android 16 users catch suspicious phone activity

Google is set to introduce a security feature called "Intrusion Detection" in its upcoming Android 16, aimed at enhancing user security against threats. This feature, found in a beta version of the Google Play Services app, will log encrypted entries of essential device information to help users identify suspicious activity. "Intrusion Detection" is expected to be part of the Advanced Protection Program, which includes measures against malicious downloads and supports passkey sign-ins, moving away from traditional passwords. The feature's development has progressed, but it is unclear if it will launch with Android 16 or later. Android 16 Beta 4 was released to testers in mid-April, leading up to the anticipated full launch in May 2025.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft fires engineers who protested during company’s 50th anniversary celebration

Two Microsoft software engineers, Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal, were terminated after protesting the company's involvement with the Israeli military's use of its AI products during the company's 50th anniversary celebration. Aboussad was dismissed for "just cause, willful misconduct, disobedience or willful neglect of duty" after interrupting a speech by CEO Mustafa Suleyman, accusing Microsoft of complicity in violence and highlighting the human cost of its actions. Agrawal, who had intended to resign, also faced termination for expressing similar concerns during CEO Satya Nadella's speech. Microsoft responded by emphasizing its commitment to high business standards and the importance of addressing concerns through appropriate channels.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

What is Signal? 5 things to know about the app used in Trump administration war plans leak

Sensitive military strategies regarding Iranian-backed militants in Yemen were inadvertently disclosed to journalist Jeffrey Goldberg when he was included in a group chat on Signal with Trump administration officials, including Mike Waltz, Pete Hegseth, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Tulsi Gabbard. The White House National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the chat. Hegseth stated that “Nobody was texting war plans.” President Trump expressed discontent with The Atlantic regarding the incident. The situation has prompted calls for accountability from Democratic lawmakers. Moxie Marlinspike, co-founder of Signal's parent company, highlighted the app's unexpected role in military coordination. Signal is a free, open-source messaging application with end-to-end encryption that accommodates up to 40 participants and supports various media formats. Originally developed by Whisper Systems, it emerged from two separate applications: RedPhone and TextSecure. Signal is popular among activists, politicians, and journalists for secure communication, but its use for government communications may violate the Presidential Records Act and the Federal Records Act, which require that official communications be preserved. Messages in the military strategy chat were set to disappear after a week, raising questions about record-keeping compliance.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

NSO Group used WhatsApp exploits after the messaging app sued the spyware developer, court filing says

WhatsApp and its parent company Meta have filed a lawsuit against NSO Group in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking summary judgment and damages for the alleged misuse of WhatsApp's platform. The filing reveals that NSO Group exploited vulnerabilities in WhatsApp through methods named "Eden," "Erised," and "Heaven." NSO has acknowledged that "Eden" was responsible for approximately 1,400 attacks. The court documents suggest NSO Group has a more active role in the operation of its spyware than previously claimed, with minimal involvement from its customers. NSO Group's vice president stated that the company does not access intelligence gathered by its software and expressed confidence that the claims would be disproven in court. The lawsuit aims to hold spyware companies accountable for their actions, particularly regarding the targeting of vulnerable individuals such as journalists and human rights activists.

AppWizard

November 17, 2024

Inside futuristic Minecraft stadium built on a cliff set to host 2034 World Cup

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built near Riyadh, with a capacity of 45,000 seats and a cost exceeding £1 billion. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with completion anticipated in 2029. The stadium will feature a retractable pitch, a man-made lake for cooling, a massive LED wall, and three stands, with one side open to view Qiddiya city. It will incorporate climate control through rainwater collection and will have the capability to switch between grass and artificial turf. The venue is expected to host matches for Al-Nassr and is part of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup, with FIFA expected to confirm this on December 11. The stadium will be one of 11 new venues for the World Cup, alongside four existing stadiums.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Report shows how messaging apps are used to spread propaganda

A study conducted by researchers from New York University (NYU) surveyed 4,500 users across nine countries and interviewed political strategists from 17 nations to examine the use of messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram in political discourse. The findings revealed that 62% of respondents received political content via these apps, with 55% of that content coming from unknown sources due to insufficient content moderation. Political operatives exploit paid features on these platforms to increase their reach, with WhatsApp’s Business Platform offering tools that enhance visibility despite prohibitions against political use. Viber and Telegram also provide similar functionalities, allowing for the circumvention of rules and verification processes. The report highlights tactics such as infiltrating social media groups, using fake accounts, and cross-posting content across platforms, contributing to the spread of disinformation. Recommendations for messaging app developers include stricter account limits and better vetting of business accounts, while policymakers are urged to regulate encrypted messaging platforms to combat disinformation.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Telegram CEO arrest: What you need to know

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget airport in France amid allegations related to fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, promotion of terrorism, and cyber-bullying, with no formal charges disclosed. Telegram claims Durov has "nothing to hide" and asserts compliance with EU regulations. The Russian embassy in Paris is seeking clarification on his arrest. Support for Durov has surfaced from public figures, including Elon Musk and Vitalik Buterin. Following the news, the value of toncoin, Telegram's cryptocurrency, dropped by approximately 13%.

AppWizard

August 26, 2024

Telegram arrest: Who is Pavel Durov and what is his app?

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has been arrested in France and is under investigation by the national cyber-crime unit and the national fraud office for alleged offenses related to activities on the Telegram platform. Durov, a multi-billionaire entrepreneur from Russia, is the founder of VKontakte and launched Telegram in 2015 after leaving Russia. He holds citizenship in the UAE and France and frequently travels throughout Europe. Telegram has 950 million monthly active users and is popular in regions like Russia and Ukraine. The platform allows large group sizes, facilitating the spread of disinformation, and has faced criticism for hosting extremist content. Following Durov's arrest, prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Edward Snowden expressed their support, with Snowden calling the arrest an infringement on human rights. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the situation is a judicial matter, not a political decision.

AppWizard

August 26, 2024

Telegram says arrested CEO Pavel Durov has ‘nothing to hide’

Pavel Durov, CEO of messaging app Telegram, was detained at an airport in France under a warrant related to allegations of insufficient moderation on the platform, focusing on its failure to address criminal activities such as drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud. Telegram claims its moderation practices meet industry standards and comply with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act. Durov's detention has been extended up to 96 hours, and he holds citizenship in both the UAE and France. The Russian government is involved, with its embassy in France working to clarify Durov's situation and ensure his rights are protected. Critics argue that Telegram's structure allows for the spread of misinformation and extremist content, and while some problematic groups have been removed, experts suggest its moderation system is less effective than those of other major platforms.

AppWizard

August 26, 2024

Founder of Telegram messaging app Pavel Durov arrested in France, sources say | CBC News

Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, was taken into custody at Le Bourget airport near Paris due to an existing arrest warrant in France. His arrest has led to significant reactions, including a warning from Moscow and criticism from Elon Musk regarding free speech in Europe. Telegram stated it complies with EU regulations and defended Durov, asserting he has nothing to hide. The investigation into Durov relates to allegations that Telegram facilitated crimes due to insufficient moderation. Durov, with an estimated net worth of .5 billion, has aimed for Telegram to remain a neutral platform, particularly during geopolitical tensions. Following his arrest, Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry demanded access to him, citing his French citizenship. The platform faces increasing scrutiny from European nations over security and data privacy issues.