moderation Archives

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

YouTube tests direct messaging. Here’s how it works.

YouTube is testing a direct messaging feature in its mobile app, allowing users to share videos and engage in conversations. This feature, which was removed in 2019, is currently being trialed for users over 18 in Poland and Ireland. Users can share long-form content, Shorts, and live streams through direct messages, with options to accept or decline chat invitations from other users. All communications will adhere to YouTube's Community Guidelines, and users can block unwanted messages. Notifications for new messages will be integrated with other alerts.

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 21, 2025

Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) For Android

Conversations (Jabber / XMPP), developed by Daniel Gultsch, is a free and open-source Jabber/XMPP client for Android with a rating of 4.1 stars from over 100,000 users. It offers end-to-end encryption by default using protocols like OMEMO and OpenPGP, and supports encrypted audio and video calls, multimedia sharing, advanced machine-in-the-middle detection, location sharing, voice messaging, emoji reactions, read receipts, high-resolution contact photos, synchronization with desktop clients, support for private group chats and public conferences, integration with the user's address book, and multiple account support through a unified inbox. The app has a minimal impact on battery life and does not require a Google account or Firebase Cloud Messaging. Conversations is priced at USD 7.99.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube Tests Revival of In-App Messaging in Ireland and Poland

YouTube is testing the revival of its in-app direct messaging feature, which was discontinued in 2019. The limited rollout is currently available to users in Ireland and Poland and is aimed at users over 18, focusing on privacy and community guidelines. This feature allows for private conversations and video sharing within the app, reflecting user demand for integrated communication. The original messaging system, launched in 2017, was shut down due to low adoption rates and moderation challenges. The current testing phase suggests YouTube is refining the feature before a broader launch, with potential implications for creators to engage with fans directly. However, there are concerns regarding privacy and content moderation. The initiative aligns with industry trends emphasizing in-app communication and could enhance user engagement and advertising opportunities for YouTube.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

Stalker dev GSC Game World DMCA’d a Stalker-inspired indie off Steam⁠, and the devs are crying foul: ‘This is an abuse of power against small independent developers by a large corporation’

The indie developer of the cooperative survival horror shooter Misery announced on its Steam community hub that the game was delisted due to a DMCA strike from GSC Game World, which claimed Misery used their content without authorization. The developer, Maewing, shared an email from Valve stating the allegations and emphasized that Misery does not pose a threat to GSC's intellectual property, asserting that all content is original or legally licensed. The post also mentioned that Misery does not include any characters, plotlines, assets, or music from GSC's games. Following the DMCA claim, there was speculation about potential motivations related to the developers' alleged support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, although this remains unverified. The Misery Discord has since implemented new moderation rules to prevent inflammatory discussions.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

YouTube denies AI was involved with odd removals of tech tutorials

Content creator White discussed the potential shift in user attitudes towards Microsoft accounts, suggesting that users may eventually adopt them due to fatigue from bypassing the requirement, especially if new features improve the experience. He also speculated that YouTube might be using artificial intelligence to monitor content more strictly, causing anxiety among creators about content guidelines and the risk of account strikes. White's channel gained popularity after a video on installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware was featured by YouTube, leading to approximately 330,000 subscribers. However, he noted that videos are now facing more stringent scrutiny compared to the past, when human intervention typically resolved flagged content issues more favorably.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

YouTube’s AI moderator pulls Windows 11 workaround videos

YouTube's AI-driven system has begun removing videos that provide guidance on installing Windows 11 with local accounts or on unsupported hardware, raising concerns about automated moderation. Rich White, known as CyberCPU Tech, reported that his video on setting up Windows 11 was taken down due to potential harm, which he found implausible. After appealing the decision, White's request was denied within 10 to 20 minutes, leading him to suspect an automated process. Other content creators, including Britec09 and Hrutkay Mods, have experienced similar removals without sufficient explanation. Speculation arose about possible pressure from Microsoft to remove such videos, especially after the company closed a local account loophole in its latest build. However, White later clarified that he does not believe Microsoft was directly involved, attributing the issue to AI moderation shortcomings. The creators expressed concerns about the chilling effect of AI moderation on free expression and the potential for self-censorship. They are seeking clarity from YouTube regarding its content moderation policies.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

A YouTuber claims they’ve had two Windows 11 local account and hardware bypass videos taken down because of supposedly ‘harmful or dangerous content’

YouTube has tightened its content moderation policies regarding videos that provide workarounds for installing Windows 11, leading to the removal of two videos by YouTuber CyberCPU Tech. These videos included tutorials on bypassing Windows 11's requirements, such as installing the OS without a Microsoft account and on unsupported hardware. YouTube's rationale for the removals was that the content promotes "dangerous or illegal activities," a claim that has been met with skepticism from the community. CyberCPU Tech initially believed Microsoft was not involved but later attributed some responsibility to them. Despite the removals, similar videos remain on the platform, indicating inconsistent enforcement of policies. The ambiguity in YouTube's moderation practices has caused creators to self-censor, and the appeals process remains unclear, with automated systems flagging content while human evaluators make final decisions. Tools like Rufus are still available for users seeking alternatives for customizing their PC experience.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?

Arattai, a messaging app in India, gained significant traction in September and October 2025, reaching over 5 million downloads on certain days and surpassing established platforms like Telegram and Snapchat. Its rise was supported by media attention, endorsements from government officials, and alignment with Prime Minister Modi's Swadeshi initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's switch to Zoho email led to a 100-fold increase in Arattai's traffic within three days. The app offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls but lacks full encryption for text messages by default. It has a “secret chat” feature and plans to implement comprehensive encryption. User data is stored in Indian data centers, and the app aims to maintain a privacy-focused approach without relying on public cloud providers. Arattai faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users and offers extensive features such as UPI payments and default encryption. For long-term success, Arattai needs to standardize encryption, enhance its infrastructure, and build an ecosystem with integrated payment solutions and business tools. Overcoming user inertia from WhatsApp, establishing a strong brand identity, and navigating regulatory scrutiny are also critical for its growth.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Spencer insists that Xbox isn’t mandating AI in game dev

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, clarified that Microsoft is not mandating the use of artificial intelligence in game development. During a panel discussion, he stated that AI is primarily used for operational functions, particularly in security and network protection, rather than in creative processes. He noted that AI helps moderate interactions to ensure user safety, especially for child accounts. Spencer emphasized that the application of AI varies by team and that he prefers to allow creative teams to choose tools that enhance their workflow without imposing a top-down mandate.