human rights Archives

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Students in Russia are forced to use Putin’s national messaging app Max

Universities in Russia are mandating the installation of the national messaging app, Max, for students, with reports of pressure and sanctions for those who refuse. At Northern (Arctic) Federal University, students must download Max to access essential educational functions, as the current system will be replaced. The government of Arkhangelsk region announced a transition to Max for all educational institutions by November 2025, citing digital sovereignty and safety concerns. By the end of November, at least 23 universities reported coercion to adopt Max. At Kuban State Technological University, students are monitored for connections to Max, and registration is required. St. Petersburg State University has restricted Wi-Fi access to users of Max. Kazan Federal University plans to limit access to facilities and resources through Max starting in 2026. At Baikal State University, students without Max cannot take exams or receive credits. Kursk Medical University students face threats regarding attendance and exam retakes without the app. Some students at Kuban State University have been warned about disciplinary measures for non-compliance. The Ministry of Digital Development stated that coercion to install Max is illegal, though no alternatives are provided. Max, developed by a VK subsidiary, was established as a national messenger and is promoted as a secure alternative to foreign apps. However, it lacks end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about user data surveillance. Recent legislation has also expanded Max's functions to include age verification for purchases and communication for housing management.

Tech Optimizer

November 6, 2025

EndClient RAT Abuses Stolen Code-Signing Certificate to Evade Antivirus Detection

North Korean cyber actors have developed a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) called "EndClient RAT," targeting human rights defenders in South Korea and internationally. This malware evades antivirus detection by using stolen code-signing certificates and is delivered through a Microsoft Installer package named "StressClear.msi," which is signed by a Chinese firm. The RAT deploys an AutoIT-based payload, creates a scheduled task for persistence, and communicates with its command-and-control server using a custom protocol. Detection rates for EndClient RAT are low, with only 7 out of 64 detections for the dropper and 1 out of 64 for the payload script. Organizations are advised to block identified indicators of compromise and treat signed MSIs as untrusted until verified.

AppWizard

October 10, 2025

Potential EU law sparks global concerns over end-to-end encryption for messaging apps

The European Union is set to vote on October 14 regarding the "Chat Control" proposal, which aims to use AI or human oversight to detect child sexual abuse material on devices. Privacy advocates warn that this initiative would require access to the contents of messaging platforms like Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Threema before encryption, threatening the integrity of encrypted communications. Critics argue it could create backdoors for malicious actors, compromising the safety of users such as journalists and domestic abuse victims. The Chaos Computer Club and U.S.-based privacy organizations oppose the proposal, highlighting its potential to inspire similar measures globally and undermine encryption standards. The Danish proposal suggests using AI for content scanning, with an emphasis on evaluating its effectiveness and impact on fundamental rights, but lacks clarity on safeguards for end-to-end encrypted services.

AppWizard

October 5, 2025

‘A threat to creative expression and social progress’: Advocacy groups respond to Roblox’s new ‘sensitive issues’ label

A coalition of advocacy organizations, including Women in Games, Out Making Games, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Talent (BAME) in Games, has expressed concerns about Roblox's new "sensitive issues" label for user-generated content. They argue that this content filtering system represents a regression in creative freedom and social equity, framing equality and human rights as debatable rather than fundamental truths. The policy restricts access to content on certain topics for users under 13 without parental consent, but Roblox has not specified what these "sensitive issues" are, describing them only as current social, political, or religious topics that may provoke strong reactions. The groups find this vague labeling confusing, especially since Roblox previously incorporated ESRB ratings, and they question the effectiveness of an additional subjective filter when objective age ratings are available.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

Ubisoft staff push back against Saudi dealings

Workers at Ubisoft have expressed concerns about the company's engagement with Saudi Arabia, particularly following a meeting between Ubisoft executives and Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, in December 2024. This meeting coincided with the announcement of a new expansion for the game Assassin's Creed Mirage, set in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, which is financially supported by the Saudi government. Employees raised issues regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record and questioned the implications of pursuing contracts with individuals accused of serious offenses, such as the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In response, Ubisoft's management stated that the involvement of executives in diplomatic efforts is aimed at enhancing France's global influence and promoting democratic values, while also framing their actions as part of cultivating France's 'soft power.' They concluded by stating, "We do not comment on rumors."

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Russia enforces Max messenger app on all new devices

The Kremlin plans to evolve Max into a national "super app" by integrating communication, payments, and administrative functions, with a mandatory pre-installation on devices sold in Russia starting January 1, 2026. Smart TVs sold in Russia will also come pre-installed with Lime HD TV for free access to Russian state television. The app faces restrictions alongside messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram, which have been blocked due to national security concerns. Max is being promoted as a successor to VK Messenger, with directives issued for public institutions to transition to Max by November. Despite promotional efforts, users have reported technical difficulties and privacy concerns, as the app collects extensive user data. Max cannot be installed with foreign phone numbers, limiting access for Russians abroad. Celebrities are being recruited to promote Max, while user feedback has been mixed, with concerns regarding reliability and privacy. The app has met security requirements for integration with government services and is envisioned to facilitate various services in the future.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Russia Blocks Calls on Popular Messaging Apps

Russia’s telecommunications authority, Roskomnadzor, has imposed restrictions on voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to protect the population from fraud related to foreign messenger services. Citizens are encouraged to transition to Max, a new Russian messaging application that allows state intelligence services easier access to user data. Journalist Viktor Shenderovich commented that these actions reflect a shift towards a more oppressive regime, noting growing frustrations among the populace due to ongoing conflicts and communication restrictions. Reports indicate that the Kremlin is limiting access to information under various pretexts, with the security services alleging that Ukraine uses Telegram for recruitment and sabotage. Additionally, a Human Rights Watch report highlighted the government's efforts to expand technological capabilities to obstruct access to undesirable websites, impacting press freedom and online expression. The messaging app Max was launched by VK, a company acquired by Yuri Kovalchuk, a close ally of President Putin, and is being promoted aggressively through state-owned media despite being privately owned.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Russia mandates use of new state-controlled messaging app

The Kremlin is launching Max, a state-controlled messaging application for government officials, with a full implementation deadline of September 2025. Developed by VK Company, Max integrates various government services and financial transactions, raising privacy concerns. The Russian government plans to phase out foreign apps like WhatsApp, which currently has a 70% user base. Max will be pre-installed on all new devices sold in Russia starting September 2025. As of July 2025, over 2 million users have registered on the app, which has been labeled a "digital gulag" by cybersecurity experts due to its potential for state-sponsored surveillance. Human rights organizations are concerned about its impact on digital freedoms amid increasing government suppression of dissent.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Explained: How Russia Is Cracking Down on the Internet and Messaging Apps

The Kremlin has increased restrictions on Russian citizens' access to foreign websites and information that contradicts state narratives since the Ukraine conflict began. New legislation has been passed to impose fines for searching for "extremist" content and for advertising VPN services, with penalties including fines of up to 5,000 rubles for individual users. A potential ban on WhatsApp is being considered in favor of a domestic alternative called Max, which is expected to serve as Russia's national messaging platform and may collect user data. Approximately 680 bots have been promoting Max while disparaging WhatsApp. Additionally, at least 40 Russian regions have recently experienced mobile internet outages, which coincide with increased Ukrainian drone attacks and are speculated to serve both security and internet sovereignty goals.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Watch: Fetal development model created in Minecraft

Sara Leonard's video, "The Cubed Sphere," which models fetal development using Minecraft, won the top honor in the 3D visual art category of the 2024 "Create | Encounter" contest hosted by Rehumanize International. Rehumanize International is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting peace and human dignity. The "Create | Encounter" contest invites artists to engage with issues surrounding human dignity and encourages dialogue through creative works.