protests Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

MegaCon security warns ‘no protests’ at Minecraft YouTuber Dream’s panel

Security personnel were on high alert at MegaCon in Orlando due to concerns surrounding the popular Minecraft YouTuber, Dream. A fan reported a gumball cosplayer causing issues, prompting security to be notified. The head of security warned attendees against disruptive behavior before Dream's presentation. The cosplayer was likely referencing Nicolas Cantu, who has a complicated history with Dream, including a confrontation where Cantu made threatening remarks. Dream has faced harassment and safety concerns but his panel proceeded without interruptions, showcasing innovative technology for Minecraft, despite some technical glitches.

TrendTechie

October 2, 2024

Усиление интернет-цензуры в мире в 2023 году: обзор исследования

In 2023, internet censorship has escalated globally, particularly in North Korea and China, which have the most stringent restrictions on accessing Western social media, torrent services, and VPNs. Other countries with severe censorship include Iran, Myanmar, Turkmenistan, the UAE, Belarus, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. A total of 27 countries have intensified censorship measures, mainly targeting political media and VPN access. Myanmar and Sri Lanka have introduced new censorship tools, while Afghanistan has shut down 231 media outlets. India's government requires companies to collect and share user data from VPN services. In Europe, 18 countries have banned or shut down torrent websites, and 25 others have enacted measures against them. Belarus and Turkey impose heavy censorship on political media, while four European nations have restricted social networks. In North America, Canada, Mexico, and the United States have banned or blocked torrent sites, and Cuba has strict censorship of political media. Countries were evaluated based on criteria assessing the accessibility and restrictions of torrents, news, social networks, VPNs, and messaging apps, with higher scores indicating greater censorship levels.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Telegram founder Pavel Durov facing charges over allowing criminal activity on messaging app

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris and released on €5 million bail, but is barred from leaving France amid a legal investigation into allegations of criminal activity linked to the platform. He faces serious accusations, including allowing the distribution of child sexual abuse material and facilitating organized crime activities. French authorities claim Telegram has been uncooperative in providing necessary information for the investigation. Durov is facing preliminary charges, suggesting there are substantial grounds to believe a crime has occurred, yet this stage does not automatically lead to a trial. In response to the allegations, Telegram asserts its compliance with EU laws and defends its moderation practices. Durov's arrest has led to protests in Russia, with some officials claiming it is politically motivated. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the arrest is not politically motivated and emphasized the importance of freedom of expression within a legal framework. Telegram, founded by Durov, has nearly a billion users and has faced criticism for its lack of content moderation, leading to exploitation by criminal elements. The German government previously fined Telegram €5.1 million for failing to comply with regulations on illegal content.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Is Telegram, Ukraine’s most popular messenger app, a Russian Trojan horse?

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was recently arrested in Paris on accusations of facilitating terrorism through his app, raising security concerns in Ukraine where Telegram has become the most popular messenger since the Russian invasion in 2022. A poll shows that over half of Ukrainians now prefer Telegram for news updates, a significant rise from 20% in 2021. Telegram's anonymity has led to its misuse, with Russian forces exploiting the platform to create fake accounts and spread disinformation. The app has a history of being utilized in political campaigns, influencing public perception, and has been linked to harassment of journalists and anti-corruption activists. Despite concerns about accountability and misinformation, Ukrainian authorities are not considering a ban on Telegram but are exploring regulations for transparency and accountability.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Telegram messaging app CEO freed from police custody, will appear in court

French prosecutors have released Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, from police custody after four days of questioning related to a judicial inquiry into twelve criminal violations associated with the messaging platform. Durov faces serious allegations, including the use of Telegram for child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and facilitating organized crime, as well as failing to comply with legal requests for information from investigators. He will be summoned to court for an initial appearance that may lead to an indictment. The arrest has prompted backlash in Russia, with officials claiming it is politically motivated. Durov, a Russian-born French citizen, also has citizenship in the UAE and St. Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation and has requested France provide Durov with consular services. Telegram maintains it complies with EU laws and evolves its moderation practices. Durov co-founded Telegram after leaving Russia due to government pressure to suppress opposition. The platform is under scrutiny from Western governments for its content moderation practices, with critics arguing it facilitates illegal activities. In 2022, German authorities fined Telegram for failing to establish lawful reporting mechanisms for illegal content.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Telegram messaging app chief freed from custody ahead of court appearance

Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris as part of a judicial inquiry involving twelve alleged criminal violations, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and organized crime facilitation. An investigating judge has concluded his police custody and will present him in court for an initial appearance. Durov, a French citizen originally from Russia, faces backlash in Russia, with officials claiming the arrest is politically motivated. French President Emmanuel Macron stated the arrest is part of an independent investigation. Telegram released a statement asserting its compliance with EU laws and improving moderation practices. Durov holds citizenship in the UAE and St Kitts and Nevis, and the UAE Foreign Ministry is monitoring the case. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope for Durov's legal defense opportunities. Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother, has nearly a billion users and has faced criticism for its moderation policies.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

What is Telegram and how does it work? The controversial messaging app founded by Pavel Durov

Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, was arrested in France related to an investigation into crimes involving child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions. Telegram, launched in 2013, has over 950 million monthly active users and offers free messaging, voice, and video calls. It features group chats and channels that can have large memberships, with group chats accommodating up to 200,000 members and channels having unlimited subscribers. While Telegram uses encryption for chats and calls, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is only available for one-on-one Secret Chats, not for group chats or channels. Telegram has faced bans in several countries, including Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, and Spain, often due to political or security issues.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Questions abound after CEO of mass-messaging app is arrested

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in Paris due to allegations that the platform is being used for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse images. Durov holds citizenship in multiple countries, including France and Russia, and was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport after arriving from Azerbaijan. Telegram stated that it complies with EU regulations and is improving its content moderation practices. Durov's arrest is linked to an outstanding warrant involving money laundering and drug trafficking, but he had not been formally charged as of Monday afternoon. French authorities extended his detention for further questioning. The Kremlin has not commented on the arrest, while Russian officials have criticized it as politically motivated. Elon Musk has shown support for Durov by advocating for his release. Telegram has faced scrutiny for its content moderation practices, with claims that it is less responsive to law enforcement compared to other messaging services. In 2022, Telegram was fined by German authorities for failing to report illegal content and faced temporary suspension in Brazil for not providing data during an investigation.

AppWizard

August 26, 2024

Messaging app founder detained in French airport

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been detained by French authorities at the Paris-Le Bourget Airport due to allegations that Telegram's minimal restrictions on online speech have facilitated criminal activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking. His detention has sparked protests from free speech advocates globally, including a demonstration outside the French embassy in Moscow where protesters placed paper airplanes in support of Durov. French investigators have extended Durov's detention beyond the usual 96 hours, and he could be released by Tuesday if not formally charged. Telegram has defended its operations, claiming compliance with EU laws and industry standards, while President Macron emphasized the necessity of balancing freedom of expression with legal frameworks.