regulatory changes Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google to block sideloading of apps from unverified developers on Android devices from next year: All you need to know

Google will implement a developer verification program for Android app installations starting next year, requiring all developers to be verified by Google to install apps on certified Android devices. This new requirement extends to third-party app developers and will apply to smartphones with pre-installed Google Services, excluding custom ROMs and certain Chinese devices. Developers distributing apps outside the Play Store must register on a new Android Developer Console for verification. Testing begins in October, with access for all developers by March 2026, and the rollout starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, potentially expanding globally in 2027. Google cites internal data showing sideloaded apps pose a significantly higher risk of malware and aims to establish developer identity to reduce this risk. The changes may also be influenced by a recent antitrust ruling related to third-party app stores.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Decentralizing Trust — An Interview with the Team Behind Session Messenger

Session is a decentralized messaging platform that prioritizes user anonymity and metadata resistance. It operates on a network of community-operated servers, eliminating central authority and personal identifiers such as phone numbers or emails for account creation. This design minimizes risks of data breaches and unauthorized tracking. Session does not collect user metadata, which distinguishes it from other messaging apps that may expose user insights through metadata. Users are assigned randomly generated cryptographic keys instead of traditional identifiers, ensuring secure messaging. Messages are routed via a protocol called Onion Requests, which strips metadata during transmission. The platform is open-source, benefiting from community contributions, and aims to enhance user privacy by employing anonymous routing. Recent developments include a migration to the Session Network for improved accessibility and security, and a move to Switzerland for better data protection. Session is introducing a Pro tier to enhance user experience while maintaining free access for all. The platform emphasizes the importance of transparency and robust design in communication tools.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera throws Microsoft to Brazil’s watchdogs for promoting Edge as your default browser — “Microsoft thwarts‬‭ browser‬‭ competition‬‭‬‭ at‬‭ every‬‭ turn”

A 2024 report commissioned by Mozilla alleges that Microsoft employs misleading user interfaces and advertising tactics to promote its Edge browser, disadvantaging third-party browsers like Firefox. Mozilla has called for regulatory intervention against these practices. The European Commission designated Microsoft's services—Bing, Windows, LinkedIn, and Edge—as "gatekeeper services" in 2024, giving Microsoft six months to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) or face fines. Microsoft contends that Edge and Bing do not qualify as gatekeepers and were exempted from DMA regulation after an investigation. Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in the EU Courts, which may prompt a reevaluation of Edge’s status under the DMA. In response to regulatory changes, Microsoft announced measures in June to align Windows 11 with DMA requirements, including reducing the emphasis on its own applications like Edge.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Fed up with prompts to use Edge? Windows 11 users in Europe won’t get them anymore, but sadly everyone else will

Microsoft is adjusting its Edge browser experience for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) due to the Digital Markets Act. Edge will no longer prompt users to set it as their default browser incessantly; instead, it will only request this when users open Edge directly. This change was implemented with version 137.0.3296.52 at the end of May. Additionally, web searches conducted via the Windows search box will open in the user's chosen default browser rather than Edge. These enhancements are rolling out throughout June in the EEA. Windows users in the EEA will also soon have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store, expected to be available in 2025, while applications installed via the store will continue to receive updates. Users outside the EEA, particularly in the United States, will not see similar changes and will continue to experience aggressive promotion of Edge.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Play shrinks by 47 percent following policy overhaul

The Google Play Store has seen a 47 percent decline in app offerings, dropping from 3.4 million to 1.8 million apps since early 2024. This reduction is a result of Google's efforts to enhance app quality and security, including a policy overhaul that introduced stricter minimum requirements and targeted low-quality applications. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 developer accounts. Despite the decline in app numbers, developer activity remains strong, with over 10,400 new apps released in early 2025, a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. The European Union's "trader status" rule did not significantly impact the decline in app numbers, as Apple's app count remained stable under similar regulations.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Green Minecraft Movie Milk Gets Its Color From Chemicals The Government Wants To ‘Eliminate’

TruMoo has launched a new product called "Vanilla Green Lowfat Milk," inspired by Minecraft and resembling a melted Shamrock Shake. The green color comes from petroleum-based dyes, specifically "Blue No. 1," which is under scrutiny by the FDA due to health concerns. The FDA plans to expedite the review of natural alternatives to synthetic dyes and aims to eliminate these colorings from food products in the U.S. by 2026. Creeper milk has gained popularity on social media, with fans sharing their experiences. TruMoo previously introduced themed beverages, including blue milk inspired by Star Wars. Upcoming film releases may affect the future of themed beverages, and recent cuts to FDA staffing could impact food safety checks.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Cincinnati Reds announce new 2025 theme days, including Harry Potter, anime, Minecraft and more

Many businesses are temporarily restricting website access to users in most European nations due to GDPR compliance. The GDPR, effective since May 2018, mandates strict guidelines on personal data handling, prompting companies to reassess digital strategies. Organizations are investing in technology solutions, such as consent management systems, to balance compliance with user experience. Businesses are encouraged to prioritize transparency and user trust, implement user-friendly consent mechanisms, and leverage data analytics to tailor offerings while remaining compliant.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Slotegrator: “Online casino integrated in a popular mobile messenger app is a must-have in 2025”

The ICE 2025 event will be held in Barcelona, focusing on emerging trends, regulatory changes, and technologies in the gaming industry. Slotegrator will showcase innovations such as Bitcoin casino solutions, AI-driven analytics, and market strategies. Their offerings include a Bitcoin casino software, Moneygrator that integrates over 150 payment options, and a Telegram casino for mobile engagement. Kirichenko noted trends like stricter gambling advertising regulations, new market emergence, and a shift towards social interaction in online casinos. In 2024, Slotegrator achieved significant milestones, including obtaining a license from the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, a 76% growth in total bets, a 79% increase in gross gaming revenue, multiple nominations, and the launch of over 250 projects with 60 new partners. The company is preparing to address upcoming regulatory changes and technological advancements in 2025.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Microsoft Edge won’t stop nagging users to set itself as default on Windows 11

Microsoft is implementing new pop-ups in Edge to encourage users to set it as their default browser on Windows 11, following regulatory changes in the EU that allow users to choose their default browser easily. Recent references in Edge Canary indicate features under development, such as a button labeled “msNurturingDefaultBrowserBannerUX2OneBtn” that promotes Edge. Users may encounter prompts urging them to use Microsoft Edge for enhanced security against phishing and malware, with options to confirm or postpone their decision. The design of these pop-ups is being tested, and users cannot opt out of receiving them. Similar promotional tactics are used by competitors like Google to promote their browsers.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Valve now warns Steam consumers they are buying license not game

Valve has implemented a new warning for Steam users stating that purchasing a game grants a license to access it, not ownership. This change is in response to California's upcoming legislation, AB 2426, effective in 2025, which aims to clarify the terms of digital purchases. The legislation addresses concerns about consumers losing access to purchased digital items and seeks to enhance consumer protections in the digital marketplace.