ruling Archives

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft will stop pestering Windows users about Edge in EU

Microsoft has made adjustments to its Windows operating system to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Designated as a "gatekeeper" under the DMA in 2023, Microsoft is required to modify its core platform services. The changes announced in March 2024 for European users include the ability to uninstall Edge and Bing, support for third-party web applications on the Windows taskbar, and revisions to sign-on practices. Users will now only receive notifications to set Edge as their default browser after opening it, and the "Set Default" button will cover more file types in the EEA. Some enhancements are available in the Beta Channel, with a broader rollout expected in July. Windows Search will allow EEA users to install applications that designate alternative web search providers, and users will soon be able to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Store. Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi, praised the changes but noted that the process for setting a preferred default browser still needs improvement.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Surprising: Telegram slams Vietnam’s decision to block messaging app

Vietnam's technology ministry has mandated telecom providers to restrict access to Telegram due to concerns about the app's failure to combat criminal activities and disseminate illegal content. A government document from May 21 instructed telecom companies to limit access, citing that 68 percent of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were linked to illegal activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and potential terrorism. The ministry criticized Telegram for not cooperating with investigations, particularly regarding user data requests. Despite the directive, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the latest report. The situation is part of Vietnam's broader digital crackdown, which has included pressure on other platforms to remove content deemed harmful by the government. Telegram has previously faced scrutiny regarding its security and privacy practices.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

The FTC has dropped its case against Microsoft over Activision Blizzard deal

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has withdrawn its appeal regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, stating that the "public interest is best served" by terminating the case. Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, expressed enthusiasm for the ruling, calling it a "victory for players" and thanking the FTC. This dismissal follows the FTC's unsuccessful attempt to impose an injunction against the acquisition, where Judge Daniel P. Collins noted that the FTC did not present a compelling case to show a significant likelihood of success in its claims and raised no serious questions about the merger's impact on competition.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

US court throws out FTC appeal against Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard

The Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals ruled that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) did not sufficiently prove that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard would restrict the availability of the Call of Duty franchise on competing platforms. The court upheld a previous ruling that blocked the FTC's attempt to halt the merger, stating that the FTC's case lacked adequate evidentiary support and did not raise substantial questions about reduced competition. The merger, initially announced in 2022, received approval in 2023, allowing Microsoft to integrate Activision Blizzard into its portfolio.

BetaBeacon

April 23, 2025

Xbox will soon let you purchase games in its mobile app

Xbox is now allowing beta testers to purchase games, DLC, and more directly from its app on Android and iOS. The update also includes the ability to sign up for Game Pass, but remote play within the Xbox app will no longer be available.

BetaBeacon

April 17, 2025

Xbox game purchases are finally coming to Microsoft’s Android app

Microsoft has expanded the features of its Xbox mobile app to allow users to purchase Xbox games, DLC, and sign up for Game Pass on both Android and iOS. Additionally, users can now stream games they own on their Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles without needing to install the software locally. Xbox remote play is also moving from the Xbox app to Microsoft's website to optimize streaming performance.

BetaBeacon

April 17, 2025

Buy Your Xbox Games Directly in Android App

Microsoft has made it easier for Xbox users to purchase games through the official Xbox app, allowing them to buy games, join Game Pass, redeem rewards, and buy in-game items directly through the app. Ultimate members can now redeem perks directly from the app with a saved payment method on their Xbox account, making the purchase process quick and easy with only two in-app clicks.

TrendTechie

April 16, 2025

В работе торрент-трекера RuTracker произошел сбой

Users are experiencing significant access issues with RuTracker, a major torrent tracker in Russia, with problems persisting for several hours according to Downdetector. When trying to access the site, users receive a "Server unavailable" message, and it remains inaccessible even with a VPN. RuTracker has been blocked in Russia since early 2016 due to a judicial ruling for repeated copyright violations.

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2025

Video: Why didn’t CCI see Microsoft Defender as anti competitive?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that Microsoft's integration of its antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, with the Windows operating system does not pose a significant threat to market competition. A complaint claimed that this practice gave Microsoft an unfair advantage and hindered third-party antivirus developers. Microsoft defended its actions as standard industry practice, stating that users can still choose to install alternative antivirus solutions.

TrendTechie

March 25, 2025

Яндекс

On October 14, the Moscow City Court permanently restricted access to the torrent tracker Rutor.org and twelve other websites known for hosting pirated content, following a lawsuit by LLC "Basileus Distribution." The court ordered the blocking of sites including Bobfilm.net, Dream-film.net, Kinokubik.com, Kinozal.tv, Kinobolt.ru, Seedoff.net, Torrentor.net, Tushkan.net, Tv.serial-online.net, and Wood-film.ru. This ruling marks the first permanent site block in Russia based on a copyright protection lawsuit. The legal basis for these restrictions stems from amendments to the "anti-piracy law" signed by President Vladimir Putin in November 2014, which allow for lifetime bans on sites that repeatedly infringe intellectual property rights. Additionally, a request for the permanent blocking of RuTracker.org was submitted earlier in October, but discussions between rights holders and RuTracker representatives may lead to the withdrawal of this request.