restrictions

Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.
AppWizard
July 25, 2025
A coalition of five digital rights and privacy organizations has filed a complaint against Google under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), alleging that the company restricts user autonomy on Android devices by making it difficult to remove or disable pre-installed applications like Google Search, Chrome, and Maps. The complaint claims that Google, designated as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the DMA, fails to comply with legal obligations to allow users to uninstall default services easily. Users reportedly face hidden settings, complicated instructions, and misleading warnings when trying to disable Google apps, which the coalition argues are designed to keep users reliant on Google's services. The European Commission has received the complaint and will review it as part of its enforcement process for the DMA, which allows for fines up to 10% of a company's global annual revenue and mandates changes in business practices for compliance.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
A coalition of six civil society organizations has filed an antitrust complaint against Alphabet in Europe, alleging violations of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The complaint claims that Alphabet has not complied with DMA requirements that mandate tech "gatekeepers" to allow users to easily uninstall pre-installed applications. The organizations involved include ARTICLE 19, European Digital Rights, Free Software Foundation Europe, Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte, Homo Digitalis, and Vrijschrift.org. They argue that Google's Android operating system makes it difficult for users to remove pre-installed apps and that Alphabet discourages users from disabling these applications. The complaint requests an investigation by the European Commission into Alphabet's potential breach of the DMA. Alphabet has dismissed the allegations, stating that uninstalling apps on Android is easy and that similar complaints have been rejected by other regulatory bodies. The European Commission is currently assessing the complaint.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
Double Fine Productions has made the game Brütal Legend available for free on Itch.io for a limited time of 666 minutes. The game features a cameo by the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76. The promotion is exclusive to Itch.io due to Steam's restrictions on short promotional events.
AppWizard
July 23, 2025
Russia's deputy head of President Putin’s administration, Maxim Oreshkin, stated that foreign messaging applications will not be banned as long as they comply with Russian laws, which include registration and measures to prevent fraud. He emphasized the development of a domestic messaging app called Max, created by VK, which aims to integrate with Russia's banking system. Oreshkin encouraged entrepreneurs to create user-friendly services for competitive advantage. His comments followed reports of Telegram seeking to align with Russian regulations by filing for registration with Roskomnadzor, although its founder, Pavel Durov, denied claims of exiting the Russian market.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Researchers have identified a new spyware campaign targeting Iranian users of Android VPN applications, specifically a revamped version of DCHSpy, which disguises itself as legitimate VPN services like Starlink. This campaign began shortly after the Israel-Iran conflict and coincided with increased VPN usage among Iranians facing internet restrictions. DCHSpy can collect sensitive user data, including WhatsApp messages, contacts, SMS, files, location information, call logs, and has the ability to record audio and capture images. The spyware is maintained by the hacking group MuddyWater, linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, and has been enhanced with new functionalities. Malicious VPN services EarthVPN and ComodoVPN are being used to spread the malware, following the previous use of HideVPN. Experts warn that hackers are distributing malicious APKs through trusted platforms like Telegram, increasing risks for Iranian citizens. Security analyst Azam Jangrevi advises caution when downloading apps, recommending verified app stores and mobile security solutions to detect threats like DCHSpy. For high-risk professionals, she suggests using hardware-based security keys and vetted encrypted messaging applications.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
The Kremlin has increased restrictions on Russian citizens' access to foreign websites and information that contradicts state narratives since the Ukraine conflict began. New legislation has been passed to impose fines for searching for "extremist" content and for advertising VPN services, with penalties including fines of up to 5,000 rubles for individual users. A potential ban on WhatsApp is being considered in favor of a domestic alternative called Max, which is expected to serve as Russia's national messaging platform and may collect user data. Approximately 680 bots have been promoting Max while disparaging WhatsApp. Additionally, at least 40 Russian regions have recently experienced mobile internet outages, which coincide with increased Ukrainian drone attacks and are speculated to serve both security and internet sovereignty goals.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Russia has mandated that all government officials transition to the Max app by September 1 as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on foreign messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. The ban on WhatsApp is anticipated as officials prepare for the rollout of the state-developed Max app by VK Company, which has extensive access to users' personal data and operates under close government oversight. The legislation also prohibits apps from countries that have sanctioned Russia, indicating an effort to bolster national security in digital communications. Additionally, restrictions on software and services from "unfriendly countries" are being proposed, along with fines for accessing online content deemed extremist.
AppWizard
July 21, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to create new restrictions on foreign messaging applications and software from "unfriendly" countries. Plans are underway to limit the use of foreign communication services in Russia, potentially targeting WhatsApp, which is currently the only Meta service not banned. Russian Senator Artem Sheikin suggested that WhatsApp could face a block by 2025 if it does not comply with Russian regulations. The status of Telegram is uncertain, as it denies ties to Russian authorities despite investigations suggesting otherwise. In response, Russian officials are required to use the Max messenger from VK, which has extensive access to users' devices and relays data to servers linked to Vkontakte, a social network controlled by Russian authorities.
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