regulatory actions Archives

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

WhatsApp Blocked in Russia: Messaging App Faces Crackdown

Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, plans to impose stricter restrictions on WhatsApp due to allegations of its use in activities that violate Russian law, such as organizing terrorist acts and fraud. WhatsApp has not met compliance standards, leading to extended limitations and the possibility of a complete ban if violations continue. Users have experienced a decline in call quality since August, prompting a recommendation to switch to domestic messaging apps. Andrey Svintsov, a deputy chairman in the State Duma, anticipates a potential shutdown of WhatsApp in Russia within four to six months, attributing restrictions to the app's owners' unwillingness to cooperate with Russian authorities and concerns over data security.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

Russia promotes ‘national messenger’ to vanquish WhatsApp in fresh crackdown

Russian government minister Maksut Shadayev expressed concerns to President Vladimir Putin about foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp and proposed creating a "fully Russian messenger." Putin supported this idea and signed a law establishing a national messenger service, granting the status to the app Max, developed by VKontakte (VK). Roskomnadzor has begun restricting services like Telegram and WhatsApp due to their involvement in harmful activities, marking a significant effort to limit online freedoms since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Digital rights activists worry Max could facilitate government surveillance as it lacks end-to-end encryption, allowing data storage on VK's servers and sharing with law enforcement. Max's user base grew from 1 million to 30 million following a marketing campaign, and schools are now required to use it for official communications. Putin's administration is working to limit software from countries deemed unfriendly, putting WhatsApp's future in Russia in jeopardy. The status of Telegram remains uncertain, as the state has previously attempted to ban it but now utilizes it for communication. Recent legislation has criminalized searching for "extremist materials" and mandated migrant workers to install a surveillance app.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Russian Regulators Restrict WhatsApp, Telegram In Latest Internet Crackdown

Russian regulators, through Roskomnadzor, are implementing partial restrictions on phone calls made via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in fraudulent activities. This action is part of a strategy to promote a government-managed "super app" called Max, developed by VK, which aims to consolidate various services into one platform. The initiative aims to enhance oversight over communications and information access for Russian citizens. WhatsApp has acknowledged the restrictions while emphasizing the importance of maintaining end-to-end encryption. Activist Mikhail Klimarev has warned that severe restrictions could negatively impact the economy and public perception.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Kremlin Orders Officials to Move Telegram Channels to Domestic Messaging App Max

The Kremlin has directed government officials and lawmakers to shift their Telegram channels to the domestic messaging platform, Max, to establish a "priority information system." Channels from the State Duma, regional governors, and pro-Kremlin commentators are expected to launch on Max soon, managed by the state-supported nonprofit, Dialog. While officials will still use Telegram, utilizing Max for work-related communications is now mandatory. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has already transitioned to Max, which will be the exclusive platform for official communications. Additionally, the Russian authorities have begun imposing partial restrictions on voice calls through Telegram and WhatsApp due to complaints about scams and other illegal activities, although these functionalities could be reinstated if the apps comply with Russian legal standards.

Tech Optimizer

May 9, 2025

Does Antivirus Software Collect Your Data

Antivirus software collects various types of data to protect systems, including system details (operating system version, RAM, CPU type, computer name), network data (local and external IP addresses, DNS server, network name), user data (Windows username, time zone, language, general location), browsing history (if web protection features are enabled), and file-related information (file names, locations, hashes, and sometimes entire files). The AV-Comparatives report indicates that while some antivirus companies manage data responsibly (e.g., F-Secure, G Data, K7), others (e.g., Norton, Panda, McAfee) have been criticized for poor practices. Data sharing can enhance malware detection but poses privacy risks, as seen in AVG's past actions of selling user browsing history. Users can limit data collection by adjusting settings, reviewing installation agreements, avoiding free antivirus software, choosing privacy-conscious vendors (like F-Secure, ESET, G Data), and reading privacy policies. Despite concerns about data collection, antivirus software is essential for protection against cyber threats, and selecting a transparent provider can help safeguard privacy.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2025

If you use Avast’s antivirus software, you might be owed money — here’s how to get it

In 2020, Avast faced backlash for collecting user data without adequate disclosure and selling it to over a hundred companies through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. Investigations revealed vulnerabilities in their anonymization process, allowing users to be re-identified. In response to public outcry, Avast shut down Jumpshot and CEO Ondrej Vlcek apologized. The FTC initiated an investigation, resulting in penalties for Avast in February 2024, including a ban on selling user data and a settlement of .5 million. Customers who purchased Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 may be eligible for a refund, with emails containing Claim Numbers sent starting February 24, 2025. Refund amounts will depend on the number of claims filed.

AppWizard

November 27, 2024

You Should Delete These 15 ‘SpyLoan’ Apps From Your Android Phone Today

Security firm McAfee has identified 15 versions of predatory loan applications, known as 'SpyLoan', infiltrating the Google Play Store since 2020, with over 8 million installations. These apps request extensive permissions to harvest sensitive personal information, which is encrypted and sent to a command-and-control server. They mimic reputable financial services and often prompt users for a one-time password (OTP). Users have reported harassment from recovery agents, including threats and modified images taken from their devices. India is the most affected country, followed by Mexico, the Philippines, and others. Regulatory actions have been taken, but the apps continue to proliferate. Users are advised to check for and uninstall any SpyLoan apps to protect their personal information.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

NatWest blocks messaging apps for work communications

NatWest has blocked messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype on company devices in the UK to ensure employees use only approved channels for communications. This decision is due to concerns about the retrievability of messages on these platforms, particularly given WhatsApp's encryption and disappearing message features. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is considering an investigation into the use of messaging services in the banking sector. In the US, banks like HSBC and JPMorgan Chase have faced penalties for failing to comply with record-keeping regulations. In the UK, Ofgem fined Morgan Stanley £5.4 million for not retaining electronic trading communications that included WhatsApp discussions. NatWest's policy change reflects a trend in the financial sector towards stricter communication protocols.

AppWizard

August 12, 2024

Russia Blocks Signal Messaging App Due to Violations of Legislation, Tighten Control Over Information: Report | 📲 LatestLY

Russia has blocked access to the Signal messaging app due to non-compliance with its anti-terrorism and anti-extremism laws, according to the telecommunications regulator, Roskomnadzor. Over 1,500 complaints about Signal's functionality were logged, with users reporting issues like being unable to create new accounts without a VPN and receiving "Server Error" messages. Despite these restrictions, some users can still access Signal via VPN or its built-in censorship bypass mode. Signal has around one million users in Russia. Roskomnadzor emphasized that the blockage is to prevent messaging apps from being used for terrorist and extremist purposes.