laws Archives

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Centre’s SIM binding directive on app-based messaging platforms ‘unconstitutional’: Tech industry body BIF

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has expressed legal concerns about the government's SIM binding mandate, stating it is "ultra vires the parent legislation" and "unconstitutional," based on a senior counsel's opinion. This opinion critiques the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, claiming they exceed the authority of the Telecommunications Act of 2023. The government's directive requires app-based communication services to maintain a link to a user's active SIM card, which BIF argues violates principles of due process and proportionality. BIF also highlights that the introduction of Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) alters the scope of telecom regulation improperly, potentially leading to legal conflicts with existing laws like the Information Technology Act. BIF concludes that the amendment rules represent an impermissible expansion of delegated authority under the Telecom Act, advocating for adherence to the statutory framework. The government's directive, aimed at addressing cyber security concerns, would change how users access messaging services in India.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Is Microsoft really spying on you with Windows telemetry?

Windows 10 was released in 2015 and faced criticism for its telemetry feature, which some viewed as a surveillance tool. In 2017, the Dutch Data Protection Authority found Microsoft's telemetry settings non-compliant with local privacy laws, leading to changes by Microsoft. Telemetry, termed diagnostic data by Microsoft, is essential for device reliability and security, with a baseline level of data collection set to "Required." Users can opt to limit data collection to this level. The Optional category of diagnostic data may include device settings and browsing history, raising privacy concerns. Microsoft introduced the Diagnostic Data Viewer in 2018 to enhance transparency, allowing users to inspect the telemetry data sent to them. As of now, Microsoft has over a billion monthly active Windows 11 users.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Hide from Meta’s spyglasses with this new Android app

An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game Star Wrath announced for PC

Gaijin Entertainment, in collaboration with Targem Games, is launching a free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game called Star Wrath on PC via Steam in 2026. A closed beta test is currently underway, with invitations being distributed. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where players design ships, engage in battles, gather resources, and explore the solar system. Key features include custom ship building, advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic nebula warfare, unique pilot skills, and realistic spaceflight physics.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

“It needs to cooperate fairly, and it’s clearly not.” Why Valve is facing a £656m day in the UK courts

Tim Sweeney of Epic Games has criticized revenue sharing on digital storefronts, leading to the creation of the Epic Game Store, which charges a 12% fee to developers. Legal actions against Apple and Google resulted in them allowing alternative storefronts for games. Valve maintains a 30% commission on Steam, prompting antitrust lawsuits from developers in the U.S. in 2021, which were consolidated into a class action approved in November 2024. In the UK, Vicki Shotbolt is leading a legal case against Valve, alleging violations of competition laws, with a court ruling allowing the case to proceed to trial. Shotbolt argues that Valve's 30% revenue share inflates prices for consumers and that its price parity requirement restricts developers from offering lower prices on other platforms. She emphasizes the need for fair cooperation in the gaming ecosystem and highlights Valve's market dominance, which pressures developers to use Steam. If successful, the class action could seek up to £656 million in damages for UK consumers and aims for a more equitable profit-sharing model between Valve and developers.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game Space Wrath announced for PC

Gaijin Entertainment and Targem Games are developing a free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game titled Space Wrath, set to launch on PC via Steam in 2026. Currently, a closed beta test is ongoing, with invites being distributed in waves. The game is set in a universe where Earth has been destroyed, and players, known as Wanderers, navigate a lawless space environment. They can design their own spacecraft, engage in battles against other players, and collect resources through various encounters. Key features include customizable ship building, advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic nebula warfare, unique pilot skills, and realistic spaceflight physics.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

Foreign spies can see Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers, Ifax cites minister

Foreign intelligence agencies have accessed communications sent by Russian soldiers via Telegram, as stated by Maksud Shadayev, Russia's Minister for Digital Development. He mentioned that there are "numerous indications" of this access being used to gather information against the Russian military, though the government will not block Telegram for troops in Ukraine immediately. Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications regulator, has begun measures to slow down Telegram's service as part of a crackdown on foreign-owned messaging platforms. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, defends the platform’s commitment to user privacy and freedom of speech. The Yabloko opposition party has applied to hold a rally in Moscow to defend Telegram, framing it as a vital space for free expression in Russia.

TrendTechie

February 18, 2026

В Болгарии закрыли популярные торрент-сайты

Bulgaria recently conducted a crackdown on torrent sites violating national and international laws, part of a broader international effort against online piracy. Three major torrent sites—ArenaBG, Zamunda, and Zelka—had their domains confiscated, and four individuals were detained. The operation involved collaboration among Europol, Bulgaria's General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, the State Agency for National Security, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Justice. The crackdown was prompted by the illegal distribution of copyrighted materials, including films and software. Searches and seizures occurred at 30 locations, coordinated with the Bulgarian prosecutor's office. Authorities are currently assessing evidence to determine potential criminal charges related to the distribution of pirated content.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Russian Soldiers Resist Orders to Install State Messaging App “MAX” in Donetsk Region

Russian servicemen in the Donetsk region are resisting orders to adopt the state-controlled messaging app “MAX,” as reported by ATESH partisan movement agents monitoring the 27th and 144th motorized rifle divisions. A directive requires all personnel to transition to “MAX” by February 18, banning other platforms, which has caused dissatisfaction among soldiers and officers. Communication issues have worsened due to recent disruptions to Starlink services, leading to personnel losses and the abandonment of positions, particularly in the Huliaipole direction. Some servicemen plan to use a second phone for inspections to comply with the order, while officers may overlook continued use of Telegram. Soldiers fear that using the state messenger could result in criminal charges. The internal resistance occurs amid broader communication setbacks for Russian forces, with reports indicating that the loss of Starlink has weakened operational command and control capabilities. Russian military bloggers had warned that cutting off Starlink would hinder frontline coordination. Additionally, a priest from the Russian Orthodox Church has called for prayers to restore Telegram following stricter regulations imposed by Russia’s media regulator.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Russia Blocks WhatsApp Nationwide, Promotes State-Backed MAX Messaging App

Russia has implemented a nationwide ban on WhatsApp due to the platform's non-compliance with local legal requirements. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the ban and encouraged users to switch to MAX, a state-supported messaging platform. WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, expressed concerns over the Russian government's actions and the potential impact on user safety. The ban follows a series of restrictions on foreign messaging platforms, including limitations on WhatsApp's functionalities and actions against other platforms like Telegram. Russian authorities have previously imposed fines on WhatsApp for failing to remove illegal content. MAX offers messaging services and integrates access to government services and payment features. Critics argue that the restrictions reflect an effort to enhance state oversight of online communication, which officials deny is intended for surveillance.