online communication

AppWizard
May 30, 2025
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 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
February 12, 2025
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 17, 2024
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 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
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.
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