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Is the tide turning? Jury holds YouTube and Meta accountable for addictive apps
AppWizard
March 25, 2026

Is the tide turning? Jury holds YouTube and Meta accountable for addictive apps

A jury has found YouTube and Meta liable for millions due to negligent and addictive app design, following a lawsuit by K.G.M., who experienced severe mental distress linked to her use of these platforms during her teenage years. K.G.M. filed her lawsuit in 2023, citing struggles with body dysmorphia and self-harm as a direct result of her experiences on these platforms. TikTok and Snap settled out of court, while YouTube and Meta contested the claims. The jury's ruling mandates that Meta and YouTube pay millions in compensatory damages, with Meta responsible for the majority. A spokesperson for Google disagreed with the verdict and stated intentions to appeal.
Jack Black gives Minecraft Fan Surprise of a Lifetime from Kids Wish Network
AppWizard
March 25, 2026

Jack Black gives Minecraft Fan Surprise of a Lifetime from Kids Wish Network

Kids Wish Network facilitated a virtual meeting for 7-year-old David Henson from Xenia, Ohio, who has undergone 19 surgeries due to Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery (ARSA). David's dream was to meet Jack Black, the star of the Minecraft movie. The meeting took place on a Sunday afternoon, where David and Jack Black bonded over Minecraft, discussing game elements and sharing musical moments. Jack praised David's knowledge of the game and shared stories from the film, which inspired ideas for the upcoming Minecraft 2 movie. David's parents expressed gratitude for the experience, which provided their son with joy amidst his medical challenges. Tam Lai, Executive Director at Kids Wish Network, emphasized the importance of such moments for children facing difficulties.
Russia pushes unencrypted Max messenger as WhatsApp, Telegram face restrictions
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Russia pushes unencrypted Max messenger as WhatsApp, Telegram face restrictions

The Max messenger app, launched by VK in March 2025, has gained popularity in Russia, particularly as the government restricts messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app combines messaging, social media, government services, digital identification, and banking. President Vladimir Putin supports it as a means to achieve "technological sovereignty," and a law designates Max as a "national multifunctional messenger." Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev has promoted Max, which is also featured prominently on state television. Although not mandatory, there is significant pressure on citizens to use it, with schools and corporations transitioning communications to Max. As of March, the app surpassed 100 million users and is on Russia's "white list" of digital services that remain operational during internet blackouts. Since September, it has been pre-installed on all phones and tablets sold in Russia, with the RuStore app store being mandatory for Apple devices. Max does not offer end-to-end encryption, and user data is stored on Russian servers, with policies allowing data sharing with authorities. Critics, including the Budushcheye political movement, express concerns about surveillance and the app's functionality as a "digital trap." Despite government assurances, disruptions on Telegram and WhatsApp have been reported, with limitations on calls initiated by the government citing non-cooperation from these foreign-owned services.
With 100,000 Steam wishlists after 3 days, Cat Parents devs "never imagined" this response, and I'm surprised they're surprised: it's a game where you "save cats, give them love, care, and a place to call home"
AppWizard
March 23, 2026

With 100,000 Steam wishlists after 3 days, Cat Parents devs “never imagined” this response, and I’m surprised they’re surprised: it’s a game where you “save cats, give them love, care, and a place to call home”

Gaze in Games' new game, Cat Parents, has reached 100,000 wishlists on Steam within three days of its announcement. The game allows players to rescue and care for stray cats, either solo or with a friend. CEO Solvita Zacha expressed gratitude for the game's rapid success and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with high player expectations. Cat Parents is marked as "coming soon" on Steam.
Cat Parents amasses over 100,000 wishlists in just 3 days, leaving its indie devs speechless: 'We never imagined that our little dream would spark interest in so many people'
AppWizard
March 23, 2026

Cat Parents amasses over 100,000 wishlists in just 3 days, leaving its indie devs speechless: ‘We never imagined that our little dream would spark interest in so many people’

An indie game titled Cat Parents allows players to collect and care for stray cats, including activities like cleaning, feeding, and modifying their homes. The game's announcement by Solvita Zacha, CEO of Gaze In Games, generated significant excitement, achieving 100,000 wishlists within three days. The specific launch date for the game has not yet been announced.
Facebook designed an app for teens called Bell but never launched it, court records reveal
AppWizard
February 27, 2026

Facebook designed an app for teens called Bell but never launched it, court records reveal

In 2018, Facebook proposed an app named Bell aimed at high school students to create a safe space for communication about school events and social interactions. Internal documents indicated that Facebook intended for Bell to engage teens and transition them to the main platform after graduation. The app was designed to include features like group chats, event organization, and an anonymous confessions section. Facebook aimed for Bell to reach 80% of U.S. high schools by the end of 2020, with plans to expand globally. However, the app was never developed, and a spokesperson described it as an early exploratory idea dependent on strong content moderation. Meta has faced legal challenges regarding the impact of its platforms on minors' mental health and has implemented features in its Teen Accounts to empower parental control.
Apple set to restrict apps by age in Australia
AppWizard
February 26, 2026

Apple set to restrict apps by age in Australia

Adults in Australia will soon face new age verification requirements when downloading applications, similar to changes being implemented in Brazil, Singapore, and two U.S. states—Louisiana and Utah. Users will need to confirm their age through payment methods or by declaring an age range. This could restrict younger users from accessing apps even with parental consent if there is a mismatch in age verification. Apps like Discord and Meta’s Messenger have age ratings of 18+, preventing younger users from downloading them. Reddit is also classified for users 18 and over, despite potential eligibility for those aged 16 and older. The flexibility and implications of these age verification changes remain uncertain as further clarification is expected.
O2 launches McAfee Protect Advanced, a unique security package built exclusively for O2 customers and packed full of award-winning features to protect the whole family
Tech Optimizer
February 23, 2026

O2 launches McAfee Protect Advanced, a unique security package built exclusively for O2 customers and packed full of award-winning features to protect the whole family

O2 has launched McAfee Protect Advanced, a security solution for its customers available through O2 Extras. This service addresses parents' concerns about children's online safety, with 76% worried about excessive screen time and 78% about misinformation. McAfee Protect Advanced includes features such as AI-powered antivirus, parental controls, a text scam detector, personal data cleanup, and a social privacy manager. O2 customers can access the service for free for the first six months with an Ultimate Plan upgrade or new sign-up, while existing customers can add it for £4.99 per month. The offering allows protection for up to ten devices and enhances O2's existing security measures.
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