privacy and security Archives

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Best Secure and Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026

Your text messages and calls can be intercepted by hackers, corporations, and government entities, putting your private information at risk. Corporations may use your messages for targeted advertising or sell your data, while hackers may exploit it for identity theft or fraud. Governments may monitor communications under the guise of national security. Secure messaging apps are essential to protect your communications, as many default options expose sensitive information through metadata or lack proper security. Signal is recognized as the most secure messaging app, offering end-to-end encryption, being open-source, and free of charge, though it requires a phone number for registration. Threema allows complete anonymity without data collection but has no free version. Telegram, while popular, has security concerns as not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. WhatsApp and Keybase are discouraged due to ownership issues affecting privacy. Characteristics to look for in a secure messaging app include end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, and minimal user data collection.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Meta makes changes following a Solon man’s $1 million loss in scheme police say started on Facebook Messenger

A 63-year-old resident in Solon, Ohio, lost over a million dollars to a scammer posing as a cryptocurrency investment guru. The scam began with a friendly outreach on Facebook, which transitioned to WhatsApp for private conversations. Over several months, the victim was convinced to invest in what he thought was a legitimate opportunity. This incident reflects a broader trend, as the FBI reported that Ohioans aged 60 and older lost over a million to fraud in 2024. Meta Platforms is enhancing tools to detect and disrupt fraudulent activities on its platforms, including new warnings for screen sharing requests on WhatsApp. In the first half of 2025, Meta removed eight million accounts suspected of scams and shut down 21,000 pages impersonating legitimate businesses. Warning signs in the Solon case included initial contact from a stranger, a quick shift to cryptocurrency discussions, and unusually high promised returns.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Google details MCP-like ‘AppFunctions’ that let Gemini use Android apps

Google has introduced early-stage developer capabilities for Android aimed at connecting applications with intelligent agents and personalized assistants, specifically Google Gemini, while prioritizing privacy and security. A key feature of this initiative is AppFunctions, introduced with Android 16, which allows applications to expose specific capabilities for access by agent apps, enabling seamless task execution on devices. Developers can define app functionalities for AI assistants, facilitating various use cases such as task management, media creation, cross-app workflows, and calendar scheduling. A practical example includes the Samsung Gallery app, where users can request specific photos through Gemini, which triggers the appropriate function to retrieve them. Additionally, Google is advancing a UI automation framework for AI agents, allowing for the execution of generic tasks across applications with minimal coding. Future expansions of these capabilities are planned for Android 17, with ongoing collaboration with select app developers to enhance user experiences.

Winsage

February 25, 2026

Now Available: De-Enshittify Windows 11

The book "De-Enshittify Windows 11" is available for purchase on Leanpub, priced at .99 and up. It is a work in progress, offering insights on improving the Windows 11 experience. Thurrott Premium members will receive a complimentary copy upon completion. Preliminary chapters can be accessed on Thurrott.com. The book includes chapters on topics such as installing Windows 11, enhancing privacy and security, and improving Microsoft applications. The current draft is under 100 pages, with the final version expected to be around 150 pages. It will be available in PDF and EPUB formats on Leanpub and will also be published on Amazon Kindle once finalized.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Kremlin says the Telegram messaging app has violated the law many times

The Kremlin is taking actions against Telegram due to significant violations of Russian regulations, claiming Telegram is uncooperative. An investigation has been initiated against Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, as part of a broader criminal case related to alleged facilitation of terrorist activities, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB). Telegram denies accusations of being a haven for criminal enterprises and asserts its commitment to user privacy and security. The situation reflects the challenges digital platforms face in complying with strict regulations in Russia.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

From mainstream to underdog: These are the apps I recommend

In a recent poll, 20% of respondents favored mainstream applications, while 80% preferred underdog alternatives. Vivaldi is a web browser that prioritizes user privacy and offers extensive customization options, built on a Chromium foundation for compatibility with Chrome extensions. Anytype is an offline-first application that combines features of Notion and Obsidian, focusing on privacy and security. Deezer is highlighted as a superior music streaming service compared to Spotify, with an extensive library and a user-friendly interface that includes a personalized music recommendation feature called Flow. Perplexity is an AI platform that provides verified sources and a user-friendly interface, offering access to multiple AI models through a single subscription. Superlist is a to-do list application developed by the creators of Wunderlist, featuring natural language input, AI-driven task organization, and a free version with a Pro subscription for expanded features.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia blocks WhatsApp over Meta non-compliance, pushes state-backed MAX messenger

Russia has enacted a complete blockade of WhatsApp due to Meta Platforms' non-compliance with local regulations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the blockade and encouraged citizens to use MAX, a state-backed messaging service. Critics have raised concerns about MAX being a potential surveillance tool, which Russian officials deny. This blockade is part of a broader strategy for a "sovereign" communications infrastructure, requiring foreign tech companies to comply with Russian laws or face exclusion. WhatsApp has over 100 million users in Russia and has expressed concerns that the blockade jeopardizes user privacy and security. Following the blockade, several WhatsApp domain names have disappeared from Russia's national domain register, making the app accessible only via VPNs. Roskomnadzor has not commented, and previous restrictions on WhatsApp included limitations on calls and fines for not complying with Russian laws.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1 is here with major updates for adaptive apps, performance, and media

Google has unveiled Android 17 Beta 1, targeting developers with enhancements for app adaptability and performance. Key features include: - Mandatory app adaptability for devices with a minimum width of 600dp, requiring support for resizing and windowed multitasking. - Introduction of professional-grade camera APIs for smoother mode transitions in camera apps. - Access to metadata from all active physical camera sensors. - Enhanced audio controls for normalizing loudness and support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC). - Performance improvements, privacy and security enhancements, and connectivity updates affecting VoIP calls. - New profiles for “Medical Devices” and “Fitness Tracker” to simplify application setup. - A new engagement mode for extended reality devices. Android 17 is set to follow a release schedule similar to Android 16, with Platform Stability targeted for March 2026 and the first major stable release expected in Q2 2026. Eligible Pixel devices for the Android 17 Beta 1 update include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Google Gemini May Soon Control Apps on Android — Here’s How It Could Change Everything

Google is enhancing Gemini AI on Android to enable it to control apps directly, allowing it to perform tasks within applications rather than just responding to inquiries. This includes capabilities such as opening apps, performing in-app actions, navigating interfaces, and completing tasks using natural language commands. If implemented, this feature could significantly transform the Android user experience by facilitating faster multitasking, reducing screen interaction, and providing smarter automation. Privacy measures will include strict permission-based access and on-device processing for sensitive tasks. The feature may launch in a future Android 16 update or alongside upcoming Pixel feature drops, likely starting with Pixel devices before expanding to other Android smartphones.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

To the MAX: Authoritarian states are developing messaging apps in an effort to control their populations

In Novorossiysk, Russia, students are mandated to install the state-backed MAX messaging app to avoid exclusion from winter examinations, part of a broader initiative to shift communication to this platform. This reflects a trend in Russia where the government promotes state-sanctioned IT services, similar to efforts seen in other authoritarian regimes. MAX is compared unfavorably to WeChat, which has a robust ecosystem and a large user base, while MAX struggles to gain traction in a smaller Russian market. Previous Russian efforts at creating sovereign messaging apps, like TamTam and ICQ New, have failed. Laws now require communication through MAX, raising concerns about privacy and security. Despite initial resistance, there is a potential for MAX to become a communication staple in Russia if alternative platforms are restricted. In Iran, the state-run super app Rubika has faced public resistance, similar to the skepticism surrounding MAX in Russia as it may facilitate state censorship.