regulatory framework Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Russia orders state-backed MAX messenger app to be pre-installed on all smartphones and tablets

Beginning September 1, all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia must come with the state-sponsored MAX messenger app pre-installed. MAX will be integrated with government services and included in a list of mandatory apps. Additionally, RuStore, Russia's app store, will be required on Apple devices. State media claims MAX has fewer data access permissions than competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram. Starting January 1, LIME HD TV, a Russian-language app offering free access to state TV channels, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs in Russia. MAX has reported 18 million downloads, though some features are still being tested.

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.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

Messaging app Telegram reportedly plans Russian office to satisfy regulatory demands

Telegram is considering establishing a representative office in Russia to comply with the country's "landing" regulations for foreign IT companies, which require a local presence and adherence to government requests. The process of opening the office is currently in the coordination stage, according to Roskomnadzor. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has expressed skepticism about the regulator's claims regarding the office's development. Despite uncertainties, Telegram has taken steps to comply with some Russian regulations, including registering on Roskomnadzor’s website, but has not yet met all requirements of the "landing" law enacted in summer 2020.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

GTA 5 finally launches in Saudi Arabia and the UAE 12 years after its global release — will be age-rated 21+ as part of the new regulatory framework

Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online have been officially released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, receiving a new 21+ age rating from the General Authority for Media Regulation and the UAE Media Council. This approval allows local gamers to purchase and enjoy the game legally, marking a shift towards more progressive content regulation in the region. Previously, the game was inaccessible due to its portrayal of violence, sex, and drug use. Over 90% of PC and console players in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are over the age of 21, and the gaming market in these countries is projected to grow significantly by 2029. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive has established a partnership with the Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company for local distribution of its major franchises, including GTA V. The approval comes ahead of the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on May 9, 2026, which is expected to launch in the region without previous regulatory delays. As of May 2025, GTA V has sold over 215 million copies worldwide.

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

March 24, 2025

Messaging apps: a report on Australian Government agency practices and policies

Out of 22 surveyed Australian Public Service agencies, 16 (73%) use messaging apps for work-related purposes, while 3 (14%) prohibit their use and 3 (14%) are undecided. Policies governing messaging app usage often do not align with statutory obligations such as the Freedom of Information Act 1982, Privacy Act 1988, and Archives Act 1983. Among the 16 agencies that allow messaging apps, only 7 shared their policies, with 5 addressing security classification needs and 6 lacking necessary archiving protocols. Furthermore, 5 agencies did not adequately meet FOI search requirements, and none required the use of official accounts or devices. Recommendations for agencies include developing clear policies on messaging app usage, addressing information management, FOI, privacy, and security, and ensuring preferred messaging apps properly manage personal information. The survey involved 25 agencies, with 22 responding, to assess messaging app usage and associated policies.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

NatWest has banned staff from using Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to communicate

NatWest has banned the use of instant messaging applications like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger for internal communications in order to enhance compliance with regulatory standards. The bank has made these applications inaccessible on company-issued devices, emphasizing the need for record-keeping in line with the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) regulations. While restricting these platforms for internal use, NatWest still allows WhatsApp for customer service inquiries. This policy change follows a penalty against Morgan Stanley for violating communication recording rules by using WhatsApp for trading discussions. The COVID inquiry has also highlighted risks associated with messaging apps, including mass deletions of important communications.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

TRAI excludes likes of Google, Telegram, WhatsApp from new licensing rules

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a "One Nation One Authorisation" approach to simplify the licensing framework under the proposed Telecom Act. The recommendations do not include regulations for over-the-top (OTT) services, which has raised concerns among industry stakeholders. Major telecom companies advocate for a "same service, same rules" framework for OTT platforms. TRAI's Consultation Paper was released in July, and discussions on OTT regulation took place in August. Industry groups argue that OTT services are governed by the Information Technology Act of 2000. On September 18, TRAI's recommendations included allowing satellite-based services to provide calling and messaging, encouraging infrastructure sharing, reducing entry fees, and categorizing services into three segments: main, auxiliary, and captive service authorisations. The central government is urged to issue service authorisations based on predefined criteria.

AppWizard

September 5, 2024

How encrypted messaging apps conquered the world

In the 1990s, U.S. export regulations struggled to address the implications of cryptographic software, equating it with conventional weaponry. American programmers developing encryption tools faced scrutiny similar to that of arms dealers. In a landmark 1996 case, a court ruled that while the book "Applied Cryptography" could be exported freely, the software on its accompanying disk was classified as an export-controlled munition. This highlighted the absurdity of regulations that allowed knowledge to flow but restricted the tools to apply it, raising questions about digital privacy and national security.

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.