NewApp Digest
search bot

legislation

Students in Russia are forced to use Putin's national messaging app Max
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.
Торрент-платформы останутся популярными в 2025 году благодаря обширным коллекциям и активным сообществам.
TrendTechie
December 23, 2025

Торрент-платформы останутся популярными в 2025 году благодаря обширным коллекциям и активным сообществам.

In 2025, users are increasingly seeking reliable file-sharing methods via the BitTorrent protocol, with platforms like YTS, 1337x, and The Pirate Bay leading in global traffic. These sites offer millions of files, including movies, TV shows, and games, with dedicated users updating content daily. The BitTorrent protocol enables efficient transfers through active seeders, and many sites prioritize verified torrents to reduce the risk of corrupted files. Community feedback aids users in selecting quality downloads. YTS specializes in high-resolution films and compressed files, while 1337x provides an organized interface for various media. The Pirate Bay continues to operate despite legal challenges, offering a wide range of content. Other notable sites include TorrentGalaxy, Limetorrents, EZTV, NYAA, FitGirl Repacks, RuTracker, IPTorrents, and Torlock, each catering to specific content types or user needs. In Brazil, operators block popular domains due to copyright rulings, prompting users to use mirrors or DNS changes. VPNs are recommended for encrypting traffic during P2P transfers. Recommended clients include qBittorrent, Transmission, and Deluge. Users are advised to check seeders, review community comments, opt for magnet links, and prefer reputable uploaders. In 2025, platforms will cater to diverse needs, with EZTV updating television releases weekly and YTS and 1337x dominating high-resolution film searches. Compressed games and specialized sites like NYAA for anime are also highlighted. Meta-search engines like AIO Search and Torrentz2 help users find torrents across multiple platforms. The BitTorrent protocol is legitimate for distributing open-source files, but users must be responsible in their content selection. Brazilian law differentiates personal downloads from commercial distribution, and prolonged seeding of protected materials may violate rights. Users prioritize privacy and verification methods.
TikTok is being sold to US investors: Here's what it means for Android users
AppWizard
December 21, 2025

TikTok is being sold to US investors: Here’s what it means for Android users

TikTok has signed a deal to establish a joint venture primarily controlled by American investors, set to close on January 22, 2026. U.S. investors will gain full control over TikTok's algorithm and decision-making processes. The joint venture will involve partial ownership transfer to firms including Oracle Corporation, Silver Lake, and MGX. The agreement follows an Executive Order by President Trump on September 25, 2025, mandating that the U.S. joint venture be majority owned by American investors and governed by a majority-American board of directors. The deal aims to address concerns about the influence of TikTok's algorithm on public opinion and will ensure U.S. user data is stored in a secure cloud environment managed by Oracle. There are uncertainties regarding potential Chinese government intervention and compliance with congressional stipulations.
silver Android smartphone
TrendTechie
December 8, 2025

Торренты и пиратство в разных странах

Amnezia's team has received user feedback about VPN limitations for downloading torrents, attributed to legal frameworks in server-hosting countries rather than technical issues. VPN services face abuse reports from hosting providers when torrents are downloaded, leading to traffic restrictions. Specialized B2B servers, like Amnezia's Swiss P2P server, are more expensive but located in countries with lenient torrent laws. In 2024, visits to pirate sites reached 216 billion globally, with the U.S. leading at 26.7 billion visits. All major jurisdictions prohibit the distribution of copyrighted content, but penalties for piracy vary by country. - **Switzerland**: Allows personal downloading from illegal sources for personal use; uploading is prohibited. - **Netherlands**: Personal copying from illegal sources banned since 2014. - **Germany**: Intentional copyright infringement can lead to fines or imprisonment; enforcement often results in civil actions. - **France**: Increased efforts to block pirate sites; penalties include fines and potential criminal charges. - **Canada**: Notice-and-Notice model with rare fines for piracy. - **India**: Both sharing and downloading torrents are illegal; courts can issue injunctions against unknown infringers. - **United Kingdom**: Strict anti-piracy measures with civil lawsuits and potential prison sentences. - **United States**: Stringent laws with civil lawsuits for piracy; criminal cases are rare. - **Singapore**: Criminal liability for serious copyright infringement. - **Japan**: Illegal downloading can lead to prison or fines; severe penalties for sharing. - **Thailand**: Distributing pirated content is illegal; penalties vary by violation type. - **Vietnam**: Laws against piracy exist, but enforcement is rare. - **Turkey**: Prohibits downloading and sharing pirated content; enforcement focuses on commercial piracy. - **Portugal**: Prohibits downloading from copyright-violating sources; piracy levels remain high. - **Russia**: Civil lawsuits for damages are pursued, but individual users are rarely targeted. Overall, while anti-piracy laws are strict, enforcement is often lax, leading to a low likelihood of legal repercussions for torrent downloading in many regions, except in Germany and Japan.
Wolfenstein 3D publisher recalls fight to distribute game in Germany — porn stores and plain packaging came to the rescue of 1990s FPS gamers
AppWizard
November 16, 2025

Wolfenstein 3D publisher recalls fight to distribute game in Germany — porn stores and plain packaging came to the rescue of 1990s FPS gamers

Wolfenstein 3D was released as shareware in 1992 and faced challenges in the German market due to its Nazi symbols, which conflicted with Germany's laws prohibiting unconstitutional iconography. In 1992, Germany attempted to stop the distribution of the game through a lawsuit against Compuserve, but Apogee Software, led by Scott Miller, successfully fought this legal battle, allowing the game's distribution in Germany. The voice acting for the game was performed by developers who did not know German, leading to humorous mispronunciations that amused German fans. Initially, the game was sold in adult stores alongside adult content, complicating its reception. Additionally, until the 2010s, Germany's Youth Protection Laws required significant alterations to game content, such as changing blood color, to comply with regulations and avoid censorship.
Meta's Messenger accidentally included in teen social media ban due to Facebook sign-in
AppWizard
November 13, 2025

Meta’s Messenger accidentally included in teen social media ban due to Facebook sign-in

Meta's Messenger app is facing a ban aimed at social media platforms for teenagers, despite the government's assurance that it would be exempt. This inclusion in the ban is seen as an unintended consequence of new legislation. Over a quarter of Australian children aged 13 to 15 use Messenger, highlighting the app's significant user base in Australia. Meta is under pressure to find a solution that meets legal requirements while addressing the needs of its young users.
WhatsApp reportedly adds cross-app messaging but there's a catch
AppWizard
November 7, 2025

WhatsApp reportedly adds cross-app messaging but there’s a catch

WhatsApp is beta-testing support for third-party messaging applications, currently limited to BirdyChat, as part of its exploration into cross-platform messaging. This initiative is influenced by the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which imposes stricter regulations on tech companies. The rollout is expected to be selective, primarily benefiting users in Europe, while users outside this region will not have access to these features for the time being.
Search