online environment 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 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 8, 2025

‘Roblox must do more to protect kids from sick and twisted freaks,’ Texas attorney general says as he sues Roblox ‘for putting pixel pedophiles and profits’ ahead of kids

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging that the company has violated state and federal online safety laws and misled parents about the dangers of its platform. The lawsuit claims Roblox has marketed itself as a safe platform for children while allowing inappropriate content and predatory behavior. It also accuses Roblox of promoting compulsive purchases through its in-game currency, Robux. The lawsuit references similar legal actions from Louisiana and Kentucky and a criminal investigation in Florida regarding disturbing content on Roblox. In response, Roblox has rejected the claims and highlighted its safety measures, including a "Safety Snapshot" update and partnerships aimed at enhancing child safety online. The company asserts that its safety protocols are more stringent than those of many other platforms and expresses disappointment over the decision to pursue litigation instead of collaboration.

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Meta rolls out teen accounts globally to boost safety on Facebook & Messenger

Meta is expanding the Teen Accounts feature across Facebook and Messenger after a successful introduction on Instagram, integrating hundreds of millions of teens into these accounts. The Teen Accounts come with automatic protections to limit interactions and exposure to harmful content, addressing parental concerns about safety and screen time. Enhancements include limits on live streaming, increased restrictions in direct messages, and improved age-appropriate experiences. Moreover, Meta has launched a School Partnership Program for middle and high schools in the U.S. that allows educators to report safety concerns, with a prioritized review within 48 hours. This program was piloted over the past year and is now accessible through a waitlist system.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Russia Mandates Pre-Installation of MAX Messenger on All Phones as Rival to WhatsApp and Telegram

The Russian government has mandated that all smartphones and tablets sold in the country must come pre-installed with MAX, a state-backed messaging application, starting September 1, 2025. This initiative is part of a strategy to enhance control over digital communications, requiring devices to also include RuStore, Russia's domestic app store, and from January 1, 2026, all smart TVs sold must feature LIME HD TV. MAX is presented as a secure alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, which have faced restrictions in Russia due to compliance issues. As of July 2025, WhatsApp had approximately 97.3 million users in Russia, and Telegram had around 90.8 million users. MAX, developed by VK, a state-controlled firm, reported 18 million downloads during testing. Approximately 105 million Russians own smartphones, indicating that about 72 percent of the population possesses one. There were around 216 million mobile connections in Russia as of early 2025.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Louisiana is suing Roblox over child safety concerns

The state of Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, led by Attorney General Liz Murrill, alleging that the platform lacks adequate age verification measures, which could allow adults to pose as children and minors to misrepresent their ages. Murrill expressed concerns about the safety of children on the platform, citing harmful content and potential predators. Roblox has responded by denying the allegations, claiming to have implemented various child safety measures and emphasizing its commitment to creating a secure online environment.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Russia Launches An App That Could Spy On Its Citizens, Likely To Ban WhatsApp

Russia will launch a new digital device featuring a messenger app named Max in September, which will include messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payment options. The app will be pre-installed on all new devices in the country, and its servers will be located in Russia, potentially allowing the FSB access to user data. Experts express concerns that Max may facilitate state surveillance and could lead to the banning of global messaging platforms like WhatsApp. The development of Max is reportedly linked to President Vladimir Putin's orders and reflects the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to monitor digital communications and assert control over the online environment in Russia.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Wreckfest 2’s latest update lets you drive a grotty motorhome that’s definitely had meth cooked in it, and ensures that ‘realistic damage mode is now more realistic’

Wreckfest 2's early access launch was modest, but developer Bugbear has been refining the game since its debut. The initial content update in May expanded the roster of cars and tracks. The latest major patch introduces more vehicles, including a graffiti-adorned motorhome and a new sedan called the Cardinal, along with enhancements to the game's physics. The update features a working crane with a grab claw that poses a threat to drivers. Significant adjustments have been made to tree collisions, collision dynamics, car handling, and surface physics. The damage model has been refined, with cars now losing panels more easily and recalibrated damage based on game difficulty. Racing expert Phil Iwaniuk noted the enjoyable core gameplay and the unique scoring system for contact in races.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Google Wallet brings digital ID support to UK, more US states

Residents in the U.K. can now integrate their passports as a digital ID within Google Wallet, allowing for secure age and identity verification. This feature is part of a collaboration with the Rail Delivery Group, enabling train travelers to use digital IDs for select Railcards. Google is also discussing further applications with the U.K. government, such as for alcohol purchases. The digital ID feature allows users to create passes using their passports, which can be verified with a tap on their smartphones, although they do not replace physical IDs and cannot be used at airports. The process involves capturing images of the ID and a selfie video for verification. Google Wallet incorporates Zero Knowledge Proof technology to enhance user privacy, ensuring personal information remains secure during identity verification. Additionally, Google is expanding digital ID access in various U.S. states, allowing residents to add government-issued IDs to Google Wallet and facilitating domestic travel without a driver's license. Future capabilities will include account recovery and access to online health services. Google Wallet will also expand to 50 additional countries, allowing users to view and utilize digital passes.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature is coming to Facebook and Messenger soon

Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts protections, initially launched on Instagram, to Facebook and Messenger for users aged 13-15. These accounts limit messaging capabilities, filter out inappropriate content, and remind users to take breaks from screen time. Teens under 16 need parental permission to change default settings, with 97% choosing to maintain protections. The rollout of similar Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger is happening in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with global expansion planned. New features for Instagram Teen Accounts will require parental approval for going Live and disabling a feature that blurs suspected nude images in direct messages. An Ipsos survey indicated that 94% of US parents find Teen Accounts beneficial, and 85% believe they promote positive online experiences. Meta has over 54 million active Teen Accounts globally and is committed to enhancing safety for young users.