legislation Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Forget WhatsApp And Telegram—Radical New Messenger Confirmed

WhatsApp and Telegram each have over a billion users but face scrutiny for security issues and tracking practices. A new state-controlled messaging app, VladsApp, has been approved by Russian lawmakers as an alternative to these platforms. Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Duma’s Committee on Information Policy, described it as a “secure, multifunctional alternative” aimed at enhancing digital security in Russia. The app will operate on state-controlled infrastructure and is expected to integrate with government services, allowing personal information transfer with user consent. The draft legislation must pass through parliament and receive President Vladimir Putin's signature to become law. There are concerns that the state may restrict access to foreign messaging services to promote VladsApp among users in Russia.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Putin’s WeChat wager Moscow is betting on a super-app strategy to sideline foreign platforms and control digital communications

In late May, a significant amendment was introduced to a draft bill aimed at establishing a government-backed instant messaging platform, endorsed by President Vladimir Putin, which would have unique privileges compared to competitors. The proposed legislation includes features like document certification using electronic signatures and replacing physical identification with the platform's identification, which private enterprises would be required to accept. The platform is intended to function as an alternative to Russia's existing digital government services but will not replace them. The government will select an organization to manage the platform, which may be a private Russian company with over 500,000 users. VK, the company behind Russia's leading social network, is the frontrunner to develop the super-app called "Max," which offers various features and aims to integrate with external services. The Russian government may consider blocking competitors to Max, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, with the latter having a user base of 68 million daily users. President Putin has instructed his cabinet to promote the Russian messaging platform by migrating services from government agencies and financial institutions.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

What changes are European regulations bringing to Windows?

Microsoft is implementing significant changes to its Windows operating systems in response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect in March 2024. Starting in June 2025, Windows 10 and 11 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will have the option to uninstall pre-installed applications, including the Windows Store. The process for setting third-party browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, as the default will be simplified, moving away from the default Edge browser. Microsoft will also stop incentivizing users to switch to Edge by removing pop-up prompts. Additionally, users will be able to select alternative news feeds within taskbar widgets. These changes aim to enhance user control and promote competition within the Windows ecosystem.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Ubisoft investigating data privacy complaint

Ubisoft is investigating claims from the data privacy group NOYB regarding its handling of user data, particularly in relation to the 2016 game Far Cry Primal, which allegedly transmitted significant amounts of player data to external servers, potentially violating GDPR legislation. A spokesperson stated that an internet connection is required for single-player titles to verify game legitimacy and that for offline modes, it is only needed during the initial launch to link the game to the player's account. Ubisoft emphasizes its commitment to protecting player data and providing transparency through its Privacy Center.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Ubisoft is keeping its promise to add an offline mode to The Crew 2, and testing begins next week

Ubisoft has decided to discontinue The Crew, leading to significant backlash against always-online gaming, resulting in a class action lawsuit, new legislation in California, and a disclaimer on Steam. In response, Ubisoft pledged to avoid similar actions for The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest. Seven months later, the company announced development of an offline mode is underway, with a playtest starting on April 30. Positive feedback has been received for the offline initiative, and players are now requesting similar functionality for other titles. Ubisoft plans to roll out the offline mode for The Crew 2 by the end of 2025, with The Crew Motorfest to follow later.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Swedish authorities seek backdoor to encrypted messaging apps

Sweden's law enforcement and security agencies are pushing for legislation that would require messaging platforms Signal and WhatsApp to create technical backdoors for accessing encrypted communications. Meredith Whittaker, President of the Signal Foundation, stated that Signal would exit the Swedish market if forced to comply. The proposed bill could be presented to the Riksdag, requiring Signal and WhatsApp to retain messages and allow authorities to access message histories of criminal suspects. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer argued that access to this data is essential for combating crime. However, the Swedish Armed Forces oppose the bill, citing concerns that backdoors could create vulnerabilities for exploitation. Neither Signal nor WhatsApp has commented on the issue. This situation reflects a larger global debate on encrypted communication and law enforcement access, with similar legislative efforts seen in the U.S. and the U.K.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

‘Loophole’ in law on messaging apps leaves children vulnerable to sexual abuse, says NSPCC

Nearly 39,000 child sex abuse image crimes were documented in the past year, with approximately 38,685 crimes recorded in England and Wales during the 2023/24 period, averaging over 100 incidents per day. Snapchat was identified as the most frequently mentioned app in these cases, accounting for 50% of incidents, followed by Instagram (11%), Facebook (7%), and WhatsApp (6%). The NSPCC and other organizations are advocating for stronger enforcement of the Online Safety Act, citing concerns about a loophole that allows direct messaging services to remove harmful content only if deemed "technically feasible." The NSPCC expressed the need for proactive measures from platforms to prevent becoming "safe havens" for abusers, particularly highlighting risks associated with end-to-end encryption. A 13-year-old victim shared her distressing experience on Snapchat, where she was threatened after sending nude pictures to a stranger. NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood called for immediate government action, criticizing separate regulations for private messaging services that allow tech companies to evade responsibility. The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, mandates social media companies to mitigate illegal and harmful content, but protective measures are still being implemented. Ofcom stated that most services should be capable of removing harmful content, while a government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse and to implement the Online Safety Act effectively.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

TikTok is back in US app stores for Apple and Android

TikTok has returned to the app stores of both Apple and Android in the United States after being removed due to a divest-or-ban law enacted by former President Joe Biden, which raised national security concerns about its parent company, ByteDance. The app was inaccessible since late January, despite its service remaining operational. A Supreme Court ruling on January 17 upheld the ban, leading to TikTok's reinstatement by Apple and Android shortly thereafter. During TikTok's removal, there was a surge in secondhand sales of used iPhones pre-installed with the app, and competitors like Meta-owned Instagram announced new applications to rival TikTok. Users also explored alternative platforms like Clapper and RedNote during TikTok's absence.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

TikTok returns to Android and Apple app stores in the US

TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S. after a temporary blackout, following President Donald Trump's decision to postpone a potential ban until April 5, allowing TikTok 75 days to comply with legislation requiring the sale of its U.S. operations. The ban, supported by both parties in Congress, mandates that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations to avoid a complete prohibition of the app due to concerns over espionage and political manipulation. Reports indicate that TikTok's reinstatement was facilitated by assurances from the Trump administration to Apple and Google regarding potential liability. Trump's stance on TikTok has shifted from initially supporting a ban to expressing a more favorable view of the platform. He discussed a potential joint ownership model with TikTok CEO Shou Chew and mentioned various high-profile figures, including Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, Frank McCourt, and Kevin O'Leary, as potential buyers. Additionally, MrBeast, a popular YouTuber, has shown interest in acquiring TikTok after receiving outreach from investors.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

TikTok to give package kits on its website for US Android users to download app

TikTok has enabled Android users to download and connect to its platform directly from its website to bypass restrictions imposed by U.S. app stores since a law took effect on January 19, requiring its parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership or face a ban due to national security concerns. The app has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. Former President Donald Trump has discussed the potential sale of TikTok and ordered the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund that could aid in its acquisition. U.S. officials are concerned about the misuse of American user data, but TikTok claims its data is securely stored in the U.S. and that content moderation decisions are made domestically. The law, which has bipartisan support and was signed by President Joe Biden, continues to be debated, particularly by free speech advocates.