minors Archives

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argues banning Twitter over its ability to AI-generate pornographic images of minors is just ‘gatekeepers’ attempting to ‘censor all of their political opponents’

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized a US initiative to ban the social media platform X and its generative AI tool, Grok, following reports of Grok generating inappropriate images, including those of minors. Sweeney emphasized the importance of open platforms and opposed political demands for censorship, labeling it as crony capitalism. Reports indicated that Grok produced troubling content, including altered images of influencers in compromising situations. In response to the controversy, X has placed Grok's image generation feature behind a paywall. Sweeney's stance on free speech contrasts with censorship practices on his own platforms, such as the Epic Games Store's ban on the art game Horses due to pressure from conservative groups. He acknowledged the dangers of AI, noting that major AIs have instances of misuse.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Anonymous messaging app NGL is acquired by the EarnPhone maker Mode Mobile

NGL has partnered with Mode Mobile, known for its “EarnPhone,” which allows users to earn money through everyday tasks while viewing advertisements. NGL gained popularity in late 2021, becoming a notable anonymous messaging app alongside others like LMK and YOLO, but faced controversies related to bullying and harassment. In 2022, Snapchat banned third-party apps like NGL after a lawsuit related to a suicide. NGL also reportedly sent fake messages to users, leading to a fine from the FTC and a prohibition on offering services to minors. Following the acquisition, NGL's founders will step back, and the remaining employees will integrate into Mode Mobile, which monetizes user attention through rewards for engagement in activities like listening to music or browsing the internet.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Google’s 2025 Android App Policy Overhaul: Safety and Privacy Focus

Google has announced a suite of policy updates for 2025 aimed at enhancing user safety, data privacy, and ecosystem integrity on the Android platform. Key changes include a revised Developer Distribution Agreement that imposes stricter requirements on app functionality, content moderation, and compliance with global regulations. Developers must now avoid misleading practices, obtain explicit consent for data usage, and implement age-gating mechanisms for apps with matchmaking, dating, or gambling functionalities by October 30, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, developers will be restricted to using the Age Signals API for age-appropriate experiences. In India, Google is aligning personal loan app requirements with local regulations, while monetization strategies are under scrutiny, with rules clarified around in-app purchases and advertisements. Developers will incur fees for linking to external payment systems. Mandatory developer verification will begin in 2026, and a global rollout of this verification is expected by 2027. To aid compliance, Google has integrated Policy Support into the Play Console and introduced mandatory testing for new apps. The updates also emphasize the importance of child safety and ethical considerations in app design, particularly regarding age-appropriate content and functionality. Google is enhancing its enforcement mechanisms and adapting policies to regional regulations while maintaining a cohesive global platform.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

Anonymous messaging app NGL was acquired by ‘earnphone’ startup Mode Mobile

NGL was acquired by Mode Mobile, a company that monetizes user engagement through advertisements. NGL gained popularity in late 2021 but faced controversy for fostering bullying and employing questionable growth hacking strategies, including sending automated misleading messages. The FTC banned NGL's availability to minors after a two-year investigation and fined the app million for deceptive practices. Following the acquisition, the remaining three employees of NGL will join Mode Mobile. Mode Mobile has developed the “EarnPhone,” which allows users to earn money through everyday activities but relies heavily on advertising revenue. The specific terms of the acquisition are undisclosed.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Getting banned by Steam and Epic has made HORSES a best-seller — but this censorship bodes ill for creativity

Indie developer Santa Ragione's horror game HORSES has been banned from Steam without a clear explanation, leading to frustration from the developers and a lack of communication regarding the ban. Despite this setback, interest in the game has increased, resulting in strong sales on alternative platforms like GOG and itch.io, where it is currently a best-seller. The ban has made it difficult for Santa Ragione to secure external publishing deals, forcing them to seek private funding. Steam cited concerns over depictions of sexual conduct involving minors, while Epic referenced explicit sexual behavior and animal abuse, claims that Santa Ragione disputes. The game is available for purchase on GOG for .99 and on itch.io. GOG has expressed support for the game, emphasizing player choice in gaming experiences.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Google Assistant could shut down for Android Auto in March 2026

Google Assistant will remain available on Android Auto until March 2026. The transition to Gemini has begun, with the rollout starting on November 20, 2025. A support document indicates uncertainty about Google Assistant's future on other platforms. Initially, Google planned to phase out Google Assistant by March 2025 on most mobile devices, but this timeline may be extended. Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices and will understand the same commands while allowing for more natural speech.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Roblox and Minecraft Lawsuit Says Developers ‘Weaponized’ Games To Drive Addiction and Excessive Spending

Shawna Goble has filed a lawsuit against video game companies, including Roblox and Microsoft, alleging they have "weaponized" their gaming platforms by embedding design features that promote excessive play and spending, particularly among minors. The lawsuit claims these companies use deceptive design tactics, referred to as "dark patterns," to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, leading to compulsive play and repeated microtransactions. Goble argues that these games operate more as conditioning systems than entertainment products, utilizing advanced data analytics to target players susceptible to addiction. The lawsuit includes various legal claims such as strict product liability and fraud. Additionally, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is set to hear arguments regarding the consolidation of federal video game addiction lawsuits, focusing on Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, which are described as "gateway" games with addictive design strategies targeting children.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google warns Android users: Don’t install these apps on your phone!

Google has warned Android users to be cautious when downloading applications from the Google Play Store, particularly those pretending to be VPN services, as they may contain malware. This warning is prompted by new age verification laws in the UK and Italy, which have led minors to seek VPN apps to bypass adult content restrictions, creating an opportunity for cybercriminals to offer fake VPN services. These fraudulent apps can deploy various types of malware, including info-stealers and banking trojans, compromising personal data and financial credentials. Google highlighted that threat actors use sophisticated advertising strategies to distribute these malicious applications, often impersonating trusted brands or using social engineering tactics. To protect against these threats, users are advised to download VPN services only from reputable sources, avoid apps promoted through ads, and pay attention to app permissions. Google Play Protect and a special VPN badge can help identify legitimate apps.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Google Play users must now verify their age to keep downloading certain apps

Google is implementing age verification for the Play Store, requiring users to confirm they are 18 years or older to access certain applications. Users can verify their age through various methods, including a government-issued ID, a selfie, a credit card, or a third-party service. This initiative is in response to new regulations in several U.S. states that mandate age verification for downloading age-sensitive apps. Users have expressed concerns about data privacy and reports of being locked out after failing the verification process.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

Public Safety employee charged with child porn possession found through messaging app

Stephen E. Walker, a former member of the Bloomington Board of Public Safety, was arrested on October 2 for possession of child pornography following an investigation by the FBI that began in February. Walker, 34, previously worked for the Indiana Department of Correction for nearly nine years. The investigation stemmed from another suspect, identified as “BW,” who was arrested for distributing child pornography and revealed that he had shared explicit images of his 13-year-old stepdaughter with Walker via Kik Messenger. Between February 10 and 14, Walker received approximately 33 media files from BW, including five images classified as child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement traced Walker's Kik account and conducted a search of his residence and vehicle, seizing electronic devices for examination. Walker admitted to owning the Kik account and is currently under monitored conditional release with internet monitoring. His pretrial conference is set for November 11, 2025.