messaging services Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

India mandates SIM-linked messaging apps to fight rising fraud

India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that messaging services must operate with active SIM cards linked to users' phone numbers to combat cyber fraud. Popular apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat must comply with these SIM-binding rules within 90 days. The new regulations also require web sessions to automatically log out after six hours to enhance security and address issues related to long-lived web sessions, which have been exploited by fraudsters. This initiative aims to improve the traceability of accounts and reduce fraudulent activities, particularly phishing schemes and scams. Cyber-fraud losses in India reached ₹22,800 crore in 2024, prompting these Telecom Cyber Security measures. Users roaming with their SIMs will not be affected by the new regulations.

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 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Tajikistan launches state-backed messenger app

Tajikistan has launched its national messenger app, ORIZ, aimed at improving digital independence and data security for users, particularly Tajik migrants in Russia. The app's user data will be stored within Tajikistan, addressing concerns about reliance on foreign messaging platforms. This initiative aligns with similar efforts in Russia and Kazakhstan, as post-Soviet nations increasingly develop national messaging services. Tajikistan, the poorest former Soviet republic, has been governed by President Emomali Rahmon since the early 1990s, emphasizing state control in various sectors, including digital communication.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Tajikistan government launches messaging app to rival WhatsApp, Telegram – The Times of India

Tajikistan has launched its own national messaging app, ORIZ, to compete with established platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is aimed at enhancing connectivity for Tajik migrants in Russia, where access to popular messaging services is often restricted. ORIZ emphasizes data sovereignty, with the government ensuring that all user data is stored within the country, addressing security concerns associated with foreign networks. This initiative is part of a wider trend among post-Soviet nations to develop local digital solutions and reduce dependence on foreign technology.

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 10, 2025

Breaking Barriers: WhatsApp’s Push into Cross-App Messaging Revolution

Meta Platforms Inc. is enhancing WhatsApp to allow communication with users on other messaging platforms, responding to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) mandating interoperability. The initiative, which began in early 2024, is currently in beta testing in Europe and utilizes the Signal Protocol for secure communications. Third-party apps can submit integration requests to Meta, which will conduct security reviews before allowing message exchanges. The beta version currently supports only basic text messaging with BirdyChat. Users can manage their third-party inboxes and block unwanted services, with a focus on security measures like client-side scanning. Meta plans to expand interoperability features, including group chats by 2025 and calling features by 2027. While the current rollout is limited to Europe, it may influence global standards for messaging interoperability.

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.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

EU Gets WhatsApp Third-Party Messaging: Here’s What You Can Expect

WhatsApp is introducing a beta feature for European users that allows them to send and receive messages from other messaging platforms, starting with BirdyChat. This initiative is a response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major platforms to collaborate with competitors. Users can exchange messages, images, videos, and voice notes securely, although some WhatsApp features like status updates and disappearing messages will not be available in cross-platform conversations. The feature will be opt-in by default, allowing users to control communication preferences, and currently only BirdyChat is supported, with future integration from other apps expected. This feature is in beta within EU regions, with no plans for expansion outside Europe at this time.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Backdoored ‘secure’ messaging app leads to more arrests

Australian law enforcement arrested 55 individuals in a recent operation targeting organized crime, aided by intelligence from a backdoored messaging application called AN0M. AN0M was developed by the FBI and Australia’s Federal Police (AFP) after the shutdown of a service called Phantom Secure, which facilitated encrypted communications for criminals. AN0M users were unaware that the app contained a backdoor for authorities to access their messages. In 2022, the Australian High Court ruled that AN0M’s operations were legal, as it functioned as a closed system. The recent raids in South Australia were part of the ongoing efforts under "Operation Ironside," which has seen multiple waves of activity linked to AN0M. The operation led to the restraint of assets valued at AUD 8 million. The AFP continues to push for access to encrypted communications to improve public safety investigations.