online communication Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit bosses called to testify before US Congress

Leaders of major digital platforms, including Humam Sakhnini from Discord, Gabe Newell from Valve, Dan Clancy from Twitch, and Steve Huffman from Reddit, are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on October 8th. This hearing follows the murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, raising concerns about online radicalization. Committee chair James Comer described the incident as a "politically motivated assassination" and emphasized the need for Congress to oversee online platforms that may facilitate political violence. The inquiry will focus on the responsibility of tech leaders to ensure the safety and integrity of their platforms and the measures being taken to combat radicalization.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Bitchat beta launched by Jack Dorsey: Find out how the bluetooth-based app will potentially rival WhatsApp

Jack Dorsey has launched a decentralized messaging application named Bitchat, which operates exclusively over Bluetooth technology and does not require internet connections, phone numbers, or centralized servers. The app is currently in beta on TestFlight and emphasizes user privacy by encrypting communications that are ephemeral and stored only on users' devices. Bitchat allows for the creation of Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages between devices, even extending beyond typical Bluetooth range. It features password-protected group chats and a store-and-forward option for offline messaging. Future updates will incorporate Wi-Fi Direct to improve network speed and range. Bitchat reflects Dorsey's commitment to decentralization in digital services and is designed to maintain connectivity in situations of internet outages or restrictions.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Vietnam to block messaging app Telegram over ‘anti-state’ contents

The Vietnamese government has instructed telecommunications companies to block the Telegram messaging app, citing security concerns and the dissemination of "anti-state" content. This directive was issued by the Telecommunications Department and requires service providers to report compliance by June 2. A document from the Ministry of Public Security indicated that 68% of approximately 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were classified as “bad and toxic,” involved in activities such as anti-state messaging, fraud, and drug trafficking. The government referenced Article 9 of the Telecommunications Law and Decree 147 to justify the ban, claiming Telegram had not complied with regulations. Despite the ban, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the report date. Telegram expressed surprise at the government's actions and confirmed it is responding to legal requests from Vietnam.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Google is about to unleash Gemini Nano’s power for third-party Android apps

Google is expanding its Gemini Nano AI model by introducing new ML Kit GenAI APIs, expected to be unveiled at the I/O 2025 event. These APIs will allow developers to integrate features such as text summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description generation into their applications. Gemini Nano operates on devices, enhancing privacy by processing data locally. The ML Kit GenAI APIs will support various languages and functionalities, including generating concise summaries, correcting grammar, transforming chat messages, and providing image descriptions. Unlike the experimental AI Edge SDK, the GenAI APIs will be in beta, allowing for broader device compatibility beyond the Pixel 9 series, including other Android devices. Public documentation for the ML Kit GenAI APIs is now available for developers.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

The Digital Privacy Paradox: Encrypted Messaging App ‘Session’ Solves What Others Won’t

Instant messaging has become a crucial part of global communication, connecting billions of users while raising concerns about privacy and security. Many popular messaging apps, despite encryption, still expose users to privacy threats through metadata collection, which can reveal personal information. Session is a messaging platform that aims to address these issues by minimizing metadata usage and ensuring user anonymity through anonymous sign-ups, a decentralized infrastructure, and advanced encryption techniques. Session does not require personal details like phone numbers or emails for registration and operates on a network of over 2,200 nodes, making it difficult for any single entity to access or censor user data. The app is open-source, allowing for transparency and independent audits, and employs onion routing to enhance security. Session is particularly beneficial for journalists and activists who need secure communication in surveillance-prone environments. The platform is governed by the non-profit Session Technology Foundation, which prioritizes user privacy over profit. Session's upcoming token, $SESH, will incentivize individuals to operate nodes, contributing to the decentralized nature of the network and enhancing security through staking mechanisms. The transition from Oxen to Session Token on Arbitrum aims to improve efficiency and scalability while planning for a future where privacy-first messaging competes with mainstream platforms.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth

Minecraft has over 141 million active players and serves as a platform for children to explore, create, and interact, significantly impacting child development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that collaborative play in Minecraft fosters skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Dr. Vincenza Tudini highlights that the game encourages creativity and social growth, promoting pro-social behavior among players. Minecraft enhances language development and digital literacy through gameplay interactions. The game cultivates problem-solving and teamwork skills as children collaborate to overcome obstacles. However, there are risks associated with its open online environment, including cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Parents and educators are encouraged to implement safety measures, such as using private servers and teaching responsible online behavior. Minecraft Education Edition is being used in classrooms to teach subjects like coding and mathematics, transforming learning into an interactive experience. The study on Minecraft's impact is published in the journal Children’s Online Learning and Interaction.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Steps To Unrestrict Someone on Messenger

To unrestrict a contact on Facebook Messenger, users can follow these steps: 1. Open the Messenger app. 2. Tap your profile picture in the top left corner. 3. Select “Privacy & Safety.” 4. Tap “Restricted Accounts” to view the list of restricted users. 5. Choose the individual you wish to unrestrict. 6. Tap “Unrestrict” on their profile page. For Messenger.com on a desktop: 1. Go to Messenger.com. 2. Click your profile picture in the top left corner. 3. Select “Settings & Privacy.” 4. Click “Privacy” and then “Restricted Accounts.” 5. Click the three dots next to the person's name and select “Unrestrict.” After unrestricting, their messages will appear in the main inbox, notifications for new messages will be received, and they will be able to see the user's online status. If a user cannot find the person they wish to unrestrict, they may have blocked them instead and need to check the blocked list. Additionally, unrestricting does not notify the other person, and they will only be aware of the change if they attempt to message again.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Messaging app Viber blocked in Russia

Russia has officially blocked the Viber messaging app due to alleged violations of laws aimed at preventing terrorism, extremism, and drug-related activities, as announced by Roskomnadzor. Viber, owned by Japan's Rakuten Group, opposes Russian disinformation campaigns. This ban is part of a broader trend of digital crackdowns in Russia, affecting platforms that challenge state narratives.

AppWizard

August 12, 2024

Venezuela, Russia Block Encrypted Messaging App Signal

Venezuela has restricted access to the encrypted messaging app Signal following a disputed presidential election, coinciding with ongoing protests and arrests. President Nicolás Maduro has also blocked the social media platform X. In Russia, the communications regulator Roskomnadzor has imposed restrictions on Signal for violating local legislation, preventing new user registrations without a VPN. Additionally, censorship in Russia has affected YouTube, leading to widespread access issues, although YouTube stated that these disruptions are not due to technical problems on their end.

AppWizard

June 27, 2024

RIP ICQ: Pioneering Internet Messenger Shuts Down After 28 Years

ICQ, the internet messenger, officially shut down after 28 years. Initially developed by Israeli programmers in 1996, it revolutionized real-time text chatting and was later acquired by AOL. Despite dwindling popularity, ICQ maintained a dedicated user base and was even cited as an alternative messaging platform in 2018. The platform's closure on June 26 marked the end of an era in internet history.