safety features Archives

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Jim Rossman: You can use Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, ending free security updates and fixes. Users continuing to use Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses due to the lack of security updates. While third-party antivirus applications can provide some protection, they cannot replace the operating system patches that will no longer be available. Business users can purchase extended security updates for Windows 10 for up to three years, starting at a cost of for the first year per machine, which doubles in subsequent years. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, lasting until October 2026, but further availability of ESU for home users beyond this initial year has not been clarified by Microsoft.

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2025

Opinion: You can keep using Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which means no more free security updates or fixes. Users continuing with Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses. While third-party antivirus applications can offer some protection, they cannot replace the need for operating system updates. Business customers can purchase extended security updates for up to three years, starting at 0 for the first year per machine, potentially reaching ,820 by the end of the third year. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year by paying 7, but the availability of further extensions for home users remains unclear.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

NJ AG sues Discord, claims the messaging app exposes kids to online predators

Law enforcement officials in New Jersey have filed a lawsuit against Discord, claiming the company misled parents about its safety controls and failed to protect children from sexual and violent content on its platform. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated that Discord has violated consumer protection laws, exposing children to risks from online predators. The lawsuit alleges that Discord's safety features were inadequate and that the app's claims of protecting young users were misleading. Specifically, it criticized the "Safe Direct Messaging" feature for failing to effectively detect or delete explicit content. The lawsuit seeks remedies including an injunction against further violations, civil penalties, and forfeiture of profits generated in New Jersey.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

N.J. sues Discord, alleging the messaging app leaves kids vulnerable to predators

State officials in New Jersey have filed a lawsuit against Discord, alleging that the messaging platform fails to protect children from online predators and misrepresents its safety features, particularly regarding direct messaging. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin claims that Discord's misleading safety settings have made it a target for predators, exposing young users to risks. Discord has announced its intention to contest the lawsuit, asserting its commitment to safety. The complaint points out that Discord's default settings allow users to receive friend requests from anyone and that its claims about scanning and removing explicit content are misleading. The lawsuit demands that Discord relinquish profits earned in New Jersey and seeks civil penalties, following incidents where inadequate safeguards led to child exploitation. Additionally, a man has been accused of communicating with a 14-year-old victim on Discord after previously assaulting her.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

N.J. sues messaging app Discord for alleged youth endangerment

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against Discord, alleging that the platform's safety measures for young users are inadequate and misleading. The lawsuit claims that Discord's safety protocols have exposed children to violent content, harassment, and sexual abuse, despite the company's assertions that it provides a "safe space for teens." Key concerns include the platform's ineffective age-verification process, which allows children under 13 to access the app, and the failure of its "Safe Direct Messaging" feature to effectively scan for explicit content. Discord has expressed surprise at the legal action and maintains its commitment to improving safety on the platform.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta adds new age-based restrictions to Facebook, Messenger to curb…

Meta has introduced "Teen Accounts" on Facebook and Messenger, automatically enrolling users under 18 to enhance their safety. Key restrictions include limiting messages to individuals teens follow or have interacted with, ensuring only friends can view and respond to their stories. Additionally, teens will receive notifications to log off after one hour of screen time, and apps will switch to "quiet mode" at night. This initiative follows increased calls for safety measures amid concerns about social media's impact on mental health. Critics express skepticism about the effectiveness of these features, noting previous claims by Meta about implementing similar safety measures.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Teen Accounts Are Coming to Facebook—Parents May Actually Approve

Teens Accounts are being introduced on Facebook and Messenger, allowing users aged 13 to 15 to reconnect with safety features similar to those launched on Instagram. These accounts include parental controls, restrictions on interactions, and content access. Young users can only communicate with contacts they have already engaged with, and parents can monitor usage and settings. Features like reminders for breaks and Quiet Mode are included to promote healthy habits. Restrictions on Instagram Live for users under 16 will also require parental permission. The rollout will begin in select regions, including the USA and Canada, with plans for a broader global expansion.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta deploys teen safety features to Facebook, Messenger

Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts initiative to include Facebook and Messenger, enhancing safety measures for young users in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with plans to reach more regions soon. The Teen Accounts feature, launched on Instagram, provides a secure environment for adolescents, limiting their exposure to inappropriate content and interactions. Users under 16 will be restricted from messages from unknown individuals, and only friends can view and respond to their stories. Teens will receive reminders to take breaks after one hour of use and will enter "Quiet mode" at night. Parental consent is required for users under 16 to modify safety settings, go live on Instagram, or disable nudity blurring in direct messages. Since its launch, over 54 million teens have used Teen Accounts, with 97% of users aged 13 to 15 keeping these protections active. Research shows 94% of parents find the initiative helpful, and 85% believe it creates positive experiences for their teens. The expansion reflects Meta's response to regulatory scrutiny and its commitment to providing safer experiences for younger users.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Beware new Google ‘yellow warning’ that saves you from costly nightmare

Google has introduced a yellow warning banner in the Google Play Store to alert Android users about apps that are frequently uninstalled. This banner indicates that an app may not be meeting user expectations and could be due to poor functionality, excessive advertisements, or inflated costs. Additionally, Google has implemented two other notifications: one indicating lower user engagement with an app and another showing fewer users compared to other apps. These features aim to help users make more informed app choices and avoid potentially harmful applications. Google Play Protect is also available to scan downloaded apps for security, including those from outside the Play Store. Users can enable settings to improve harmful app detection, enhancing overall safety in the app ecosystem.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.