Russia Archives

Winsage

October 14, 2026

Canada could save millions by developing its own operating system instead of relying on Microsoft Windows

Canada is focusing on digital sovereignty in sectors like cloud computing and telecommunications, but the operating systems for government computers have received less attention. A study suggests that adopting a national, free, and open-source operating system could save Canada millions over the next decade and reduce reliance on U.S. technology providers. Currently, Microsoft Windows dominates the Canadian desktop market with a 63.75 percent share, costing the government over 0 million annually. Trust in U.S. technology has declined among Canadians, with 60 percent feeling they can never trust Americans the same way again. Open-source alternatives like Linux exist, which could be adapted into a national operating system based on Debian, allowing Canada to inspect and modify the code. Other countries, such as China and Germany, have developed their own operating systems, achieving significant savings. Transitioning to an open-source system would involve costs estimated between million and million over two years, compared to Germany's ZenDiS initiative. The projected gross savings from switching operating systems over ten years could range from 0 million to .13 billion, benefiting various sectors by reducing licensing fees and enhancing national security.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Launched in 2020, Minecraft’s Uncensored Library held around 300 books; RSF continues adding censored journalism

The Uncensored Library is a digital archive created by Reporters Without Borders and BlockWorks within Minecraft to combat censorship by providing access to banned journal articles. It features approximately 300 books across twelve wings, representing countries with restricted information. The library is accessible through a dedicated Minecraft server or by downloading it for Windows and Mac users. The selection of countries and articles is based on Google Analytics and the Press Freedom Index, with contributions from journalists. The library continues to grow, with recent updates adding new content from various countries, including the United States, Egypt, Belarus, and Russia. Since its launch in 2020, it has attracted over one million visitors and its books have been read ten million times.

BetaBeacon

September 29, 2026

Proton finds Russian and Chinese trackers in popular Android games

A study by Proton found tracker code associated with companies in China and Russia in many of the most downloaded free Android games in the US and Europe.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Could Google kick out Russian apps from Android for good? A new developer verification system may be the first step towards a total ban for Moscow developers, almost 56 months since the start of the Ukraine war

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has expressed concerns about Google's Android developer verification process starting in September 2026, which may hinder the accessibility of Russian applications on Android devices. Minister Maksut Shadaev noted that the verification checks could restrict users from freely installing mobile applications, posing challenges for developers already affected by removals from online marketplaces. Users may face a waiting period of up to 24 hours for certain installations. The potential exclusion of Russian applications from Android devices raises concerns about the future viability of local developers.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Denuvo cracking group DenuvOwO reportedly disbands — lawsuit from Irdeto has a chilling effect, but cracking continues as piracy hub purges links

Irdeto's Denuvo has reached a milestone with the disbandment of DenuvOwO, a group that created a hypervisor-based bypass for Denuvo. This decision may be linked to Irdeto's legal action against a cracker known as Voices38. The CS.Rin forum has removed links to games using the DenuvOwO bypass and banned associated members to avoid legal issues. A proof-of-concept crack for Assassin's Creed: Mirage has been developed, removing Denuvo Anti-Tamper and VMProtect, resulting in a 15% increase in average frames per second (FPS) and a 76% improvement in minimum frame rates on a high-end setup.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max can secretly change how it surveils individual users, researchers at InterSecLab find

The Max messenger, developed by VK, has significant user tracking capabilities. A report from InterSecLab revealed that: - Max's features can vary for individual users without app updates. - It lacks end-to-end encryption, allowing VK access to messages, even in "secret chats." - Each account can be configured to perform specific actions, such as decrypting messages on VK's servers and blocking messages if a VPN is detected. - Upon launching, Max reports the user’s network environment to VK, including their public IP address and mobile carrier. - The app uploads users’ entire address books unencrypted to VK's servers, accessing contacts of non-registered individuals. - A phone number query can reveal extensive user information without notification. - Max stops functioning if it detects a VPN, requiring users to disable it to send messages, although workarounds exist. - New users receive a curated list of recommended channels, primarily featuring state media and pro-government figures.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s national messenger app Max found to contain backdoor capable of secret screen captures

Researchers have found that Max, a messaging app mandated by the Russian government, can secretly capture screenshots, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and inject code into other applications. Developed by VK, the app integrates messaging, banking, and government services. Since September 1 of last year, it has been preinstalled on new smartphones, following the blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram. Despite its reach, it is not widely used in political circles, with insiders indicating that compliance with its use is performative.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s “National Messenger” Turned Out to Be… “Putin Is Watching”

The Russian government is pressuring citizens to download a mobile app called "Max," which has raised privacy and surveillance concerns. Max is a popular messaging platform in Russia and integrates messaging, government services, and payment functionalities. Research by a University of Michigan team found that Max can capture users' screens without consent, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and potentially enable cyberattacks via code injection. Despite these concerns, many Russians still use alternative messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. Some government officials are using separate devices for Max, indicating unease about its surveillance capabilities. The app is linked to a social media company connected to the Russian government, and President Putin may have an indirect financial stake in it.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Revealed: How Russia use mobile ‘super-app’ Max to spy on its citizens

A new messaging and payment app called Max has emerged in Russia, developed by VKontakte, and has become the country's most utilized messaging platform. Max integrates various services, including banking and government services, and has been adopted by tens of millions of Russians. It features extensive surveillance capabilities, allowing it to take screenshots, access information without consent, impersonate users, and potentially conduct cyberattacks. The app's adoption has been largely mandatory, particularly among state employees and students. Despite its rise, Max has not replaced Telegram as a primary news source, and users have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance. Experts warn that Russia's swift implementation of digital control strategies reflects a growing trend of digital authoritarianism.

BetaBeacon

September 17, 2026

Diving and Sushi Bar in Your Pocket: Dave the Diver Released on iOS and Android

Dave the Diver, a popular game with a 96% positive review rating on Steam, has been released worldwide for mobile devices by Mintrocket studio. The game combines underwater exploration with sushi bar management, offering players a diverse gaming experience. The mobile version has revamped interface and optimized controls for touch screens, with in-game actions utilizing device capabilities. The game is available on both Android and iOS platforms globally, with a free initial part and full version priced at 699 rubles on the App Store and 899 rubles on Google Play.