private conversations Archives

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Vietnam’s dominant messaging app faces regulatory scrutiny over data policy update

Vietnam’s National Competition Commission (NCC) has ordered VNG Corporation to revise its updated service terms for the Zalo messaging app due to user privacy concerns. The NCC emphasized that users should not be forced to consent to personal data collection as a condition for using the app and that consent mechanisms need to be voluntary and clear. The updated terms require users to accept all data management provisions or face account deletion within 45 days, which has led to significant user complaints and a decline in app ratings. Zalo's average rating on Apple’s App Store has fallen to around two out of five stars, and it has slipped to 59th place in download rankings, while international apps like WhatsApp and Viber have become more popular. Zalo has around 78 million active users and operates over 17,000 official accounts used by government and businesses. The NCC intends to meet with VNG to discuss the updated policy, as part of a wider regulatory trend against coercive data practices in digital firms globally.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

This new Android malware can control your phone and swipe your banking data

A new malware called Sturnus spreads through sideloaded APKs and can steal chats, banking information, and control devices. It reads decrypted chats, creates fake banking overlays, and can remotely access Android devices. Sturnus disguises itself with fake Android update screens, and users in Europe have already fallen victim to it. The malware is primarily spread through attachments sent via messaging applications and exploits Accessibility settings to read screen content and impose overlays on banking applications. Google has not detected this malware in the Google Play Store, thanks to Play Protect's scanning efforts. Users are advised to exercise caution when downloading APKs.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

Security experts issue urgent malware warning for Android and WhatsApp users

A newly identified vulnerability known as Sturnus poses a significant risk to users of messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal on Android devices, potentially affecting millions and leading to severe privacy breaches. This Trojan can grant cybercriminals complete remote control over infected devices, allowing them to surveil user activities, intercept messages, and steal banking information. It can create convincing fake login screens to harvest banking credentials and execute fraudulent actions while obscuring the device's display from the user. Although Sturnus is still in its developmental stage and has not achieved widespread distribution, security experts warn that its potential for harm is significant. To protect against such threats, users are advised to download applications only from the official Google Play Store, avoid unverified sources, review app ratings, verify developers' reputations, and refrain from installing apps accessed through links or social media.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Watchgram for Telegram For Android

Watchgram for Telegram is an application designed for smartwatches that integrates Telegram messaging features, allowing users to receive real-time notifications, read messages, and send quick replies without needing a smartphone. Key features include real-time notifications, message reading, quick replies via voice or text, secure messaging with end-to-end encryption, a user-friendly interface optimized for smartwatches, and easy setup. The app is open-source, licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, and the source code is available on GitHub. Watchgram operates independently and is not affiliated with Telegram Messenger LLP. The developer is identified as clapps.

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 20, 2025

YouTube Tests Direct Messaging Feature: Users Will Soon Share Videos and Chat Inside the App

YouTube is testing a new direct messaging feature that allows users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland to share videos and engage in conversations within the platform. The feature supports sharing long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams through the YouTube mobile app, enabling discussions without leaving the platform. Messages will adhere to YouTube’s Community Guidelines, with monitoring for compliance and safety. Users can still share videos via other platforms, and YouTube is collecting feedback to evaluate potential broader rollout.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Meta Introduces Ads To WhatsApp As Messaging App Expands Revenue Strategy

WhatsApp has announced the introduction of advertisements in its "Updates" tab, which is used by approximately 1.5 billion daily users. Personal chats will remain free from ads, and the platform assures that end-to-end encryption will protect private conversations from being used for advertising purposes. This shift marks a departure from WhatsApp's previous ad-free policy, originally upheld by its founders. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is looking to monetize the app, which has over 2.5 billion users, while maintaining user trust and privacy. Advertisements will be targeted using limited user information, and two additional revenue-generating features have been introduced: paid subscriptions for Channels and promoted channels. Meta reported total revenue of 4.5 billion in 2025, with .6 billion coming from advertising across its platforms. Analysts suggest the introduction of ads could impact user experience, with the potential to alienate users who value WhatsApp's simplicity and ad-free environment. Meta plans to monitor user feedback as it rolls out the advertising initiative.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

“Whatsapp Killer?” Elon Musk Reveals X Chat, a Bitcoin-Style Encrypted Messaging App

Elon Musk has announced a new messaging platform called X Chat, which prioritizes user privacy and security by utilizing a peer-to-peer encryption system similar to Bitcoin's technology. The app is currently being tested and is expected to launch in the coming months. X Chat will not include advertising hooks or collect user data for targeted advertising, aiming to eliminate privacy risks associated with such practices. It is designed to allow users to send text messages, share files, and conduct audio and video calls. Musk claims it will be more secure than existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

The Best Private Messaging Apps for 2025

Privacy and security are distinct concepts; privacy concerns identifiable information, while security relates to data vulnerability. Protecting privacy is essential due to the interest of companies in harvesting data. Reliable messaging apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure messages, with varying implementations. Apps like Briar and Session operate on decentralized networks and prioritize user privacy, while Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp have different levels of security features. Signal and WhatsApp provide E2EE for personal chats, but Telegram only offers it for "Secret Chats." Business accounts on WhatsApp lack encryption. Signal is a nonprofit that does not sell user data, while Telegram operates for profit and has faced criticism for privacy enforcement. Briar and Session allow anonymous communication without personal data. Law enforcement can access messages through various methods, but apps like Signal and Telegram are resistant to inquiries. WhatsApp is the most widely used app, while Telegram and WhatsApp offer more social features but come with risks. All three services support voice and video calling, with varying reliability. Signal is highlighted as the best option due to its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Facebook Messenger Hacked? Here’s How to Secure Your Account

Facebook Messenger has raised concerns about unauthorized access to user chats. Signs of unauthorized access include: receiving messages from unknown contacts, login times when the user was not online, changes to account settings such as password changes or alterations to privacy settings, chats marked as read without the user opening them, and warnings from Facebook about suspicious activities. Users are advised to regularly check their account for unfamiliar devices, monitor connected applications for unusual activity, and take proactive security measures like installing security software, logging out of all devices, changing passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication.