privacy and security Archives

Winsage

June 7, 2025

Make your Windows 11 taskbar transparent for a cool, minimalist vibe

Many users find the standard Windows 11 taskbar distracting and prefer a minimalist approach with a transparent taskbar. Windows 11 has a native transparency option under Settings > Personalization > Colors, but it typically results in a frosted glass effect. The TranslucentTB app, available for free on the Microsoft Store, allows users to customize the opacity and color of their taskbar. To use it, users should download and install the app, find the TranslucentTB icon in the System Tray, and select "clear" from the Visible Window menu for full transparency. Users can also adjust Security and Privacy settings if the app does not function properly. TranslucentTB offers dynamic behavior options, allowing the taskbar to change transparency based on user activity, such as becoming transparent only when a window is maximized.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Google Unveils Gemini Nano for On-Device AI in Android Apps

Google has updated the Gemini Nano APIs through the ML Kit, introducing new GenAI APIs that allow developers to perform on-device inference for generative AI capabilities in Android applications. These APIs enhance user privacy by executing all operations locally, eliminating cloud processing costs. Features include summarization of articles up to 3,000 words, proofreading for grammatical accuracy, rewriting text in various tones, and generating image descriptions. The GenAI APIs are optimized for Android devices using MediaTek Dimensity, Qualcomm Snapdragon, and Google Tensor platforms, including the Pixel 9 series and Samsung Galaxy S25. They operate without internet connectivity, ensuring rapid response times and improved performance for tasks like summarization and proofreading. The local processing also enhances privacy and security, protecting sensitive user information with safety protocols.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Meta and Yandex are de-anonymizing Android users’ web browsing identifiers

Recent developments in browser technology have raised concerns about user privacy and data tracking by companies like Meta and Yandex. In response, several Android browsers are enhancing user privacy by blocking abusive JavaScript linked to web trackers. DuckDuckGo has implemented measures to block domains and IP addresses associated with trackers, preventing the transmission of identifiers to Meta and restricting access to Yandex Metrica. Following feedback, DuckDuckGo's developers updated their blacklist to include missing addresses. The Brave browser uses extensive blocklists to prevent identifier sharing and blocks requests to localhost without user consent. Vivaldi forwards identifiers to local Android ports by default but allows users to adjust settings to block trackers. Researchers warn that these solutions may not be foolproof and emphasize the ongoing challenge of maintaining effective blocklists. Chrome and most other Chromium-based browsers execute JavaScript as intended by Meta and Yandex, while Firefox has faced challenges with SDP munging and has not yet announced plans to address this behavior.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Messaging app Signal will block Windows Recall from taking chat screenshots

Signal has introduced a "Screen Security" feature in its desktop application to prevent external programs, including Windows 11, from capturing screenshots of its interface. This feature is enabled by default and is a response to Microsoft's Recall feature, which captures app window screenshots for AI processing. Signal is concerned about the privacy risks posed by Recall's design, despite Microsoft's assurances of improved privacy controls. The developers have used Windows' Digital Rights Management technology to protect against unauthorized screenshots due to the lack of official APIs from Windows 11. Signal's leadership has criticized the need for such workarounds and has called on Microsoft to provide better tools for developers to safeguard user privacy.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Tweak your settings in Windows 11 to make it feel more familiar

Users transitioning to Windows 11 can realign the Start menu to the left by opening the Settings menu (Windows + I), searching for Taskbar Settings, scrolling to the Taskbar Behavior section, and selecting Left under Taskbar Alignment. To disable search trends and news teasers in the Start menu, navigate to Privacy and Security in Settings, select Search Permissions, then More Settings, and disable the Show Search Highlights option. Users can change the default browser by going to Apps in Settings, selecting Default Apps, and choosing their preferred browser from the list.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

Deadline approaching: It’s time to say goodbye to Windows 10

Microsoft will officially discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which has specific hardware requirements including a modern processor, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. To check compatibility, users can use the PC Health Check app. If a device does not meet the requirements, hardware upgrades or firmware adjustments may be necessary. If the BIOS mode is set to Legacy, users must convert the hard drive from MBR to GPT using the command mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullOS. It is recommended to back up data before upgrading. Microsoft is also offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for approximately €27, extending support for an additional year.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

No tracking, no invasive ads – these 5 Android mobile apps are the best for protecting your digital privacy in 2025

Smartphones collect a vast amount of personal information, prompting a movement toward applications that enhance digital privacy. Various security apps are available to protect user data and provide features like emergency alerts and location sharing, especially benefiting vulnerable populations. Notable applications include: - NextCloud: A personal cloud server that enhances privacy with tools for file exploration, chat, and office alternatives. - Obtainium: An app store that simplifies using applications outside of Google Play and keeps them updated. - AnySoftKeyboard: A keyboard app with an incognito mode that does not collect typing data while offering word recommendations. - Aves: A photo management app that analyzes metadata and supports panoramic photos and 360-degree videos. - Accrescent: A new alternative app store focused on user privacy and security, currently in its alpha phase.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal says no to Windows 11’s Recall screenshots

Signal has updated its Windows app to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft’s Recall feature from capturing screenshots of secure conversations. The new version activates screen security by default, using a digital rights management (DRM) approach similar to that of streaming services. Users can disable this feature in the app’s settings, but concerns have been raised about its impact on accessibility features like screen readers. Developer Joshua Lund has highlighted the need for app developers to access tools that protect sensitive information from OS-level AI systems. Microsoft’s Recall feature, designed to enhance productivity, currently lacks an API to exclude sensitive content from its archives, posing privacy risks. While Microsoft has measures to filter activities from private browser windows, users must have technical knowledge to adjust settings for specific applications. Signal continues to adapt to digital privacy challenges while advocating for better support from operating system developers.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal will block Microsoft Recall from snooping on your texts

Encrypted messaging platform Signal is enhancing its Windows application with a feature called Screen Security, which prevents screenshots of messages while the app is in use. The application is flagged as protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), ensuring that DRM content cannot be recorded in screenshots on Windows devices. Screen Security is activated by default but can be disabled by users if needed. Signal hopes that AI developers will consider the implications of their innovations more thoughtfully. The Recall feature in Windows 11, which allows users to record everything displayed on their screens, has faced privacy and security concerns, and skepticism remains about its readiness for widespread adoption.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Upgrade Choice—You Must Now Decide

Microsoft has released a mandatory update for Windows 11, identified as “KB5058411,” which includes essential security fixes and introduces a new feature called Recall. Recall uses artificial intelligence to capture snapshots of the user's screen at regular intervals, creating a photographic memory of digital interactions. Users will be prompted to enable Recall during the installation of the May 2025 Windows 11 24H2 update, and opting in for the first time simplifies future re-enabling. However, enabling Recall raises privacy concerns, as it records activities and communications from secure messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, potentially exposing sensitive information. A user reported that someone was able to access his entire PC history, including deleted messages, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with the feature. Users are advised to carefully consider the implications of opting into Recall.