messaging service Archives

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Russian censorship agency threatens total block of WhatsApp citing terror links

Roskomnadzor, Russia's media regulator, has warned WhatsApp that it could be blocked unless it complies with local laws, citing concerns about the platform's use for terrorist activities and fraud. The agency highlighted WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption as an obstacle for law enforcement. Since August, Roskomnadzor has implemented gradual restrictions, including blocking voice calls and instructing telecom operators to stop text message verifications for new users, with a complete ban possible if compliance is not met. The regulator has suggested users switch to domestic alternatives, such as the state-backed MAX messaging app. WhatsApp has around 97 million users in Russia and has faced increasing scrutiny amid a broader crackdown on foreign messaging services. The company has reiterated its commitment to end-to-end encryption but has not publicly responded to Roskomnadzor's latest threats.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Meta Introduces Ads To WhatsApp As Messaging App Expands Revenue Strategy

WhatsApp has announced the introduction of advertisements in its "Updates" tab, which is used by approximately 1.5 billion daily users. Personal chats will remain free from ads, and the platform assures that end-to-end encryption will protect private conversations from being used for advertising purposes. This shift marks a departure from WhatsApp's previous ad-free policy, originally upheld by its founders. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is looking to monetize the app, which has over 2.5 billion users, while maintaining user trust and privacy. Advertisements will be targeted using limited user information, and two additional revenue-generating features have been introduced: paid subscriptions for Channels and promoted channels. Meta reported total revenue of 4.5 billion in 2025, with .6 billion coming from advertising across its platforms. Analysts suggest the introduction of ads could impact user experience, with the potential to alienate users who value WhatsApp's simplicity and ad-free environment. Meta plans to monitor user feedback as it rolls out the advertising initiative.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

German healthcare aims to replace faxes and phones with secure mess…

Germany's healthcare system is introducing TI-Messenger, an encrypted messaging service overseen by Germany’s National Digital Health Agency, Gematik, to enhance communication among patients, healthcare professionals, and insurance companies. This service aims to replace traditional communication methods like faxes and phone calls, with initial trials showing significant time savings for medical staff. TI-Messenger, based on the Matrix open network technology standard, is designed to allow secure communication across health institutions while maintaining data control. As of July 15, 2025, it became accessible to all German citizens with public health insurance. A trial in Hamburg demonstrated that pharmacists significantly reduced phone calls by using TI-Messenger. There are two versions of the service: TI Messenger ePA for citizens and TI-Messenger Pro for healthcare professionals, which has not yet seen widespread adoption. Challenges in user adoption exist, with potential solutions including financial incentives and simplified onboarding processes. Future developments may lead to automated responses and improved communication practices, with hopes for collaboration with other European countries using similar technologies.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

Elon Musk on Messaging Platform X Chat’s Features and Bitcoin-Like P2P Encryption

Elon Musk announced the upcoming feature "X Chat" for his social media platform, X, during his appearance on the "Joe Rogan Experience." This new messaging service will utilize a peer-to-peer encryption model similar to Bitcoin and is designed to enhance security by minimizing vulnerabilities compared to other messaging applications. X Chat will not include advertising hooks, focusing instead on user privacy and security. A standalone app is also planned for release in a few months, allowing users to send messages, share files, and make audio or video calls. The in-app chat will support various media linked to X handles rather than phone numbers.

TrendTechie

November 3, 2025

RuTube и VK Видео изменили правила игры на пиратском рынке контента

The volume of pirated video content in Russia decreased by over 14% in the first half of 2025, with a reported decline to approximately 0.6 million instances. The amount of blocked pirated content surged by 42% in 2024, reaching 12.5 million instances, and the number of blocked pirate domains rose to 110,000. Russia is the third-largest consumer of pirated content globally, following the United States and India. The peak of Russian online piracy occurred between 2015 and 2018. Torrents are becoming obsolete, particularly among younger generations, who prefer legal access to content. Users face risks from hackers when visiting sites offering free content, with warnings about potential viruses and data theft.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta to End Messenger Desktop Apps for Windows and Mac by December 15

Meta will close its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac on December 15. After the shutdown, users will be redirected to Facebook.com or Messenger.com if they don't have a Facebook account. Desktop app users will receive an in-app notification and have a 60-day grace period to use the Mac Messenger app before it becomes inoperable. Users are advised to activate secure storage and set up a PIN to safeguard their chat history before transitioning to the web version. Their chat history will remain accessible across all platforms after migrating. Secure storage can be checked in the settings under Privacy & Safety > End-to-end Encrypted Chats.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta To Shut Down Messenger App For Desktop On 15 December

Meta will shut down the Messenger desktop app on macOS and Windows effective December 15. Users will receive notifications during a 60-day grace period to transition to the browser-based version. After this period, access to the desktop app will be blocked, and users are advised to uninstall it. The mobile versions of the Messenger app will remain operational.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Supreme Court rejects lady doctor’s claim that access to WhatsApp is fundamental right; suggests can use Zoho’s Arattai app – The Times of India

The Supreme Court of India ruled that access to private digital platforms like WhatsApp is not a constitutionally guaranteed right. Users must adhere to the terms of service of these private entities, and the court dismissed arguments claiming violation of free speech, suggesting such issues should be addressed through regulatory or civil channels. Dr. Raman Kundra sought restoration of her WhatsApp account for professional and personal use but was advised to consider alternatives like the Arattai app, which has gained significant traction in India. Launched in 2021, Arattai briefly surpassed competitors in app store rankings and is positioned as a "spyware-free, made-in-India messenger," endorsed by government officials. It offers features such as one-to-one and group chats, audio and video calls with end-to-end encryption, multi-device support, and broadcasting capabilities.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

KakaoTalk blunder: What went wrong with Korea’s largest messaging app

Kakao announced plans on September 23 to transform its KakaoTalk messaging app into a social platform similar to Instagram to boost advertising revenue. However, five days later, the company retracted this initiative due to user criticism regarding intrusive features. The controversial feed-style posts, which cluttered the user experience and complicated the app's messaging purpose, were moved to a separate section, returning the Friends tab to its previous list-style format. Following the announcement, Kakao's stock price fell by 4.67%, resulting in a market cap loss of 1.64 trillion won. KakaoTalk's business revenue has declined for two consecutive quarters, with advertising revenue being a significant portion. The recent update, called the “Big Bang Project,” was implemented without the usual user feedback process, leading to internal dissent and concerns about the company's departure from its user-centric philosophy.

AppWizard

September 25, 2025

Russian ‘Orthodox WhatsApp’ Debuts Without Church’s Endorsement

A new messaging application called Zosima has been launched on Google Play, initially intended for release in November 2024 but made available early on September 23. Developed by the Innotech XXI Foundation, Zosima aims to connect parishioners with local churches but has evolved into a broader social networking platform. Officials from the Russian Orthodox Church have distanced themselves from the app, stating they were not consulted during its development. The church's spokesperson, Vakhtang Kipshidze, expressed skepticism about the initiative. Zosima is named after a sixth-century monastic saint and is open to individuals of all faiths, but cannot be considered Orthodox without endorsement from Patriarch Kirill. An official presentation for the app is scheduled for October 30. The launch occurs amid increasing restrictions on Western technology platforms in Russia, with WhatsApp remaining the most widely used messaging service despite limitations. The Russian Orthodox Church had previously launched its own messenger app in 2017, connecting 130,000 users with 15,000 churches.