payment processors Archives

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Revamps Android App Store Rules, Cuts Fees Amid Global Antitrust Pressure

Alphabet's Google has announced a transformation in app distribution on Android devices, allowing external companies to register and launch their own app stores by paying a one-time fee. This change aims to enhance accessibility for competitors and lower costs for developers. Google will reduce its standard commission for developers from 30% to as low as 15% or 10% in some cases, with implementation expected by June in the US, UK, and EU, and similar changes in Australia, South Korea, and Japan by the end of 2026. Developers using Google’s billing services will incur a flat fee of 5%, while they can also opt for third-party payment processors. Epic Games has expressed approval of these changes, which they believe will help resolve ongoing litigation. Google generated approximately .66 billion in sales from its app marketplace in 2020, and regulatory changes could reduce its gross profit by around billion. The European Commission has accused Google of violating the Digital Markets Act, which could lead to fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. Google has previously faced €9.5 billion in fines for competition law violations. A US jury ruled in 2023 that certain Android policies violated antitrust law, leading to an injunction requiring Google to allow competing app stores access to its app catalog. Despite regulatory pressures, Google stated that the changes to the developer fee structure were voluntary and not mandated by legal rulings.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2025

The digital impersonators: How cybercriminals hijack your brand to launch malvertising attacks

Brand trust is highly valued by consumers, leading cybercriminals to exploit it through malvertising, which embeds malicious code in legitimate ads. Malvertising can redirect users to phishing sites or download malware. Cybercriminals create fake ads that mimic trusted brands, targeting high-traffic moments and using real-time bidding to distribute these ads on reputable sites. The process involves setting up fake accounts, creating convincing ads, purchasing ad space, and delivering malware through exploit kits. The consequences include identity theft and financial loss for consumers, and reputational damage for brands. To protect against these threats, organizations should implement regular software updates, continuous employee training, protective tools, and consider partnering with managed service providers for enhanced security measures.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Epic bans indie horror game Horses just one day before launch due to ‘inappropriate content’, despite having approved that content weeks ago

The horror game Horses has been banned from both Steam and Epic Games for violating policies on "inappropriate content" and "hateful or abusive content." Epic Games informed publisher Santa Ragione of the ban just one day before the game's scheduled launch on its platform, without specifying how the game violated guidelines. Santa Ragione's appeal was rejected within 12 hours, also without clarification. While Epic suggested the game could be updated to meet compliance standards, they did not provide specific guidance on necessary changes. Horses contains elements of nudity and adult themes, contributing to the sensitivity surrounding its release. Despite the bans, the game is still available on platforms like GOG, Itch.io, and the Humble Store, which shifted to a DRM-free distribution model.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

New Albiriox MaaS Malware Targets 400+ Apps for On-Device Fraud and Screen Control

A new Android malware named Albiriox has emerged, marketed as malware-as-a-service (MaaS). It features a hard-coded list of over 400 applications, including banking and cryptocurrency platforms, and is distributed through social engineering tactics using dropper applications. Initially advertised in late September 2025, it became a full MaaS offering by October, with Russian-speaking threat actors behind its development. Albiriox allows remote control of compromised devices via an unencrypted TCP socket connection and Virtual Network Computing (VNC), enabling attackers to extract sensitive information and perform overlay attacks for credential theft. One campaign targeted victims in Austria using German-language lures and counterfeit Google Play Store listings. Albiriox also utilizes Android's accessibility services to bypass security measures and employs a novel distribution strategy involving a counterfeit website that collects phone numbers. Additionally, another Android MaaS tool, RadzaRat, was introduced, masquerading as a file management utility while offering extensive surveillance and remote control capabilities. RadzaRat can log keystrokes and maintain persistence through specific permissions, highlighting a trend in the availability of sophisticated cybercrime tools.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Horror game maker accuses Valve of ‘censorship’ after its game about nude human ‘Horses’ is rejected by Steam: ‘Lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront’s opaque decisions’

On December 2, Santa Ragione, an Italian game development studio, will release its first-person horror adventure game, Horses, which explores themes like familial trauma and totalitarian power. The game features grotesque imagery set in a ranch environment with nude individuals wearing horse masks. Before its release, Horses received attention at events such as IndieCade and SXSW Sydney. However, Santa Ragione faces potential closure after being banned from Steam due to concerns over content perceived as depicting sexual conduct involving a minor. The studio criticized Steam's lack of clarity in content guidelines and the absence of options for resubmission or appeal. While Epic Games raised issues about visible nudity, the contentious scene in question was not included in external builds until late 2024. Santa Ragione expressed concern over the inconsistency of content standards between different platforms and lamented the loss of access to Steam, which accounts for over 75% of PC game sales. They argue that the ban reflects moralizing censorship and advocate for artistic freedom in gaming.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction

On November 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games filed a joint motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to modify a permanent injunction from Epic's antitrust litigation against Google. The modified injunction retains prohibitions on Google's revenue-sharing practices and mandates that app developers are not required to launch exclusively on the Google Play Store. It introduces a "Registered App Store" system for third-party app stores, allowing users to install these through a streamlined process. The settlement extends globally, promoting competition across all Android markets. Developers are granted rights to offer alternative in-app payment methods and can present various payment options side-by-side. The modified injunction caps service fees that Google can charge on transactions in Play-distributed apps using alternative payment methods, extending through 2032. A Technical Committee will oversee disputes related to the new terms. The settlement's effectiveness depends on court acceptance and coordination with a separate settlement between Google and state attorneys general. The settlement is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. Following court approval, Google will have eight months to implement the necessary technology for the registered app store program.

AppWizard

September 21, 2025

Developer of NSFW games says Valve won’t let them add adult content in updates, now it has to be DLC

In recent months, adult game developers have faced challenges due to pressure from the anti-porn advocacy group Collective Shout on payment processors, leading to stricter policies on the distribution of erotic games (eroge). A developer from Crimson Delight reported on Reddit that they can no longer add new adult content to existing titles on Steam unless it is released as downloadable content (DLC), a shift from previous practices. Despite a positive review experience, the developer noted that Valve is under pressure from payment processors, resulting in stricter rules for adult content. This change impacts developers like those behind Summertime Saga, who rely on community feedback for new content, as it requires that additions be fully completed before release. Crimson Delight does not blame Valve for these changes, acknowledging that adult games contribute only a small fraction to Steam's overall earnings. Additionally, attempts to use cryptocurrency payments to bypass restrictions have been hindered by past fraud issues, with 50% of such transactions being fraudulent during a 2016 experiment.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Steam Will Soon Lose Support for Around 0.01% of Its Install Base

Valve will cease support for 32-bit Windows operating systems on January 1st of the coming year, affecting a small percentage (0.01%) of users based on their Steam Hardware Survey. Users on 32-bit Windows 10 will not receive updates or assistance after this date, although Steam will continue to function on their machines. The decision is due to incompatibility of core Steam features with 32-bit system drivers and libraries. Additionally, Steam has introduced an age verification process in the UK requiring valid credit card details to access adult content.

AppWizard

August 30, 2025

UK Steam users must register a credit card to unlock game titles with adult content – UK’s Online Safety Act requires blocking minors from accessing mature content

Valve has mandated that UK users must have a valid credit card on file to browse or purchase "mature" games on the Steam platform, in response to the UK's Online Safety Act. This act requires platforms to implement effective age verification measures to prevent under-18s from accessing adult content, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines or bans. Approximately one-third of UK consumers use debit cards or alternative payment methods, which may hinder legitimate adult players from accessing parts of the store. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the implications of mandatory financial information for browsing. The changes primarily affect niche erotic or explicit titles, while popular games classified as PEGI-18 may not see immediate impacts.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Steam games no longer purchasable with PayPal in most countries — Valve offers no timeline for a potential fix

Steam's payment system has faced a significant disruption, affecting millions of players globally. The PayPal payment option is unavailable for users in many regions, except for transactions in Euros, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, or U.S. Dollars. This issue began in early July 2025 and was confirmed by Valve to be due to a decision by one of PayPal's acquiring banks to stop processing Steam transactions for certain currencies. Users are now advised to use alternative payment methods or Steam Wallet codes. Valve has stated that the problem is related to currency issues and not tied to recent controversies regarding adult content. The timeline for restoring PayPal support remains uncertain.