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World Day Against Cyber Censorship: RSF unveils new US room in its Minecraft Uncensored Library
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

World Day Against Cyber Censorship: RSF unveils new US room in its Minecraft Uncensored Library

The Uncensored Library has added a new room dedicated to the United States and updated content in sections for Egypt, Belarus, Russia, and Iran. The USA room includes analyses of press freedom and a political cartoon by Ann Telnaes that was rejected by the Washington Post. The library allows access to journalism from countries with censorship, using the Minecraft platform for broader reach. New articles include Elahe Mohammadi's piece on Evin Prison in Iran, two articles from MadaMasr in Egypt, over 20 articles from exiled Russian media, and six articles by exiled journalists in Belarus. The library has been visited by over one million users since its launch in 2020.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
February 11, 2026

UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.
UK-based founders accused of sharing app data with Iranian authorities
AppWizard
January 30, 2026

UK-based founders accused of sharing app data with Iranian authorities

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani lead TS Information Technology, a UK branch of the Iranian firm Towse’e Saman Information Technology, known for developing Gap Messenger, a domestic alternative to Telegram. The company is registered in West Sussex, UK. Gap Messenger claims to be encrypted and not share user data with third parties, but Iranian digital rights researchers have raised concerns about its involvement in state surveillance, supported by leaked emails from Iran’s attorney general's office from 2022. Mahdi Anjidani, the CEO, has publicly supported government regulation of foreign messaging apps and has identified himself as a proponent of the Islamic Revolution. Gap Messenger operates within Iran's state-controlled internet, often during internet shutdowns linked to protests. The Anjidani brothers' business operations suggest a close alignment with Iranian authorities, as domestic messaging platforms typically require significant political backing to operate.
Students in Russia are forced to use Putin's national messaging app Max
AppWizard
December 23, 2025

Students in Russia are forced to use Putin’s national messaging app Max

Universities in Russia are mandating the installation of the national messaging app, Max, for students, with reports of pressure and sanctions for those who refuse. At Northern (Arctic) Federal University, students must download Max to access essential educational functions, as the current system will be replaced. The government of Arkhangelsk region announced a transition to Max for all educational institutions by November 2025, citing digital sovereignty and safety concerns. By the end of November, at least 23 universities reported coercion to adopt Max. At Kuban State Technological University, students are monitored for connections to Max, and registration is required. St. Petersburg State University has restricted Wi-Fi access to users of Max. Kazan Federal University plans to limit access to facilities and resources through Max starting in 2026. At Baikal State University, students without Max cannot take exams or receive credits. Kursk Medical University students face threats regarding attendance and exam retakes without the app. Some students at Kuban State University have been warned about disciplinary measures for non-compliance. The Ministry of Digital Development stated that coercion to install Max is illegal, though no alternatives are provided. Max, developed by a VK subsidiary, was established as a national messenger and is promoted as a secure alternative to foreign apps. However, it lacks end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about user data surveillance. Recent legislation has also expanded Max's functions to include age verification for purchases and communication for housing management.
Windows 10 update failure, autonomous AI cyberattack, Feds fumble Cisco patches
Winsage
November 17, 2025

Windows 10 update failure, autonomous AI cyberattack, Feds fumble Cisco patches

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with the Windows 10 KB5068781 extended security update, which is failing to apply after installation for users with corporate licenses, resulting in a rollback. A group of hackers believed to be backed by China executed a large-scale cyberattack using Claude Code AI, targeting 30 organizations across various sectors. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported that U.S. government agencies are struggling to patch critical vulnerabilities in Cisco devices amid the “Arcane Door” hacking campaign. Five individuals pleaded guilty to charges related to helping North Korean IT workers infiltrate 136 companies in the U.S. from September 2019 to November 2022. Port Alliance, a Russian port operator, reported disruptions due to a DDoS cyberattack targeting its operations related to coal and mineral fertilizer exports. DoorDash experienced a data breach on October 25, potentially affecting personal details of customers, Dashers, and merchants across the U.S. and Canada, traced back to a social engineering scam. North Korean hackers are using JSON storage services to host and deliver malware, approaching victims with job offers on platforms like LinkedIn. Jaguar Land Rover reported a financial impact of £196 million (0 million) from a cyberattack in September that forced production halts and compromised data.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 4, 2025

Civilization 7’s latest update brings improved map generation, a better UI, and a ‘full rework of Napoleon’, but it hasn’t moved the needle on its divided Steam rating

Firaxis released update 1.2.5 for Civilization 7, introducing enhancements to gameplay based on player feedback. Key changes include a complete overhaul of the map generation system with two new map types: "Continents and Islands" and "Pangaea and Islands." The update also adds two new city-state types: Diplomatic and Expansionist, and implements a strategic balance pass that replaces percentage stacking bonuses with numerical bonuses. Napoleon Bonaparte's character has been upgraded, providing additional rewards for provoking conflicts and advantages for imposing sanctions. Despite these updates, the game's reception is lukewarm, with a Steam rating of 43%, attributed to dissatisfaction with the Age Transition concept. Take Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic about the game's performance, noting that it aligns with expectations despite recent layoffs at Firaxis.
Создана торрент-сеть, которую невозможно взломать или заблокировать
TrendTechie
October 4, 2025

Создана торрент-сеть, которую невозможно взломать или заблокировать

In the Netherlands, Tribler is a fully decentralized torrent client developed by Professor Johan Pouwelse from Delft University of Technology, designed to operate without central servers and resist state-imposed sanctions. Users can search for files directly within the application, which organizes content into channels, including the popular RuTracker unofficial channel, associated with the Russian tracker RuTracker, which has been blocked in Russia since November 2015. Tribler is available on multiple platforms and is open-source, with version 7.5.1 released on June 25, 2020. The absence of central servers allows for uninterrupted access as long as at least one user is connected, and the system operates without moderators, although user ratings can filter out harmful content. An integrated anonymizing network was introduced in September 2014 to enhance user privacy. As of June 2020, RuTracker unofficial had over 2 million torrents, and other channels like YIFY, MVGroup, EZTV, and NYAA also attract users. Despite RuTracker's ban, it remains accessible through Tribler, and the site continues to operate by allowing users to create personal copies to circumvent blocks.
Microsoft reveal massive Game Pass Ultimate and PC Pass price hike, concede that price hikes are "never fun"
AppWizard
October 2, 2025

Microsoft reveal massive Game Pass Ultimate and PC Pass price hike, concede that price hikes are “never fun”

Microsoft is increasing the monthly fees for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to .99 (a 50% increase) and for PC Game Pass to .99 (approximately a 40% rise). The Xbox Game Pass Core is being rebranded to Xbox Game Pass Essential at .99 per month, offering around 50 games, while the Standard plan is now Xbox Game Pass Premium at .99 per month with about 200 games. Ultimate subscribers will gain access to Ubisoft games through Ubisoft Plus Classics and improved cloud gaming features. Microsoft reported record earnings from Game Pass, generating .6 billion last year, with an overall revenue increase of 18% to .4 billion. The company is also facing a consumer boycott related to its partnerships with the Israeli military and has announced plans to block Israeli military access to certain services.
New Civilization 7 update targets the 4X giant's biggest problems, from lack of variety to pointless choices
AppWizard
October 1, 2025

New Civilization 7 update targets the 4X giant’s biggest problems, from lack of variety to pointless choices

The latest patch for Civilization 7, update 1.2.5, introduces a new world-generation algorithm with two new map types: 'Continents and Islands' and 'Pangaea and Islands,' with the former as the default. Enhancements to city development menus aim to streamline decision-making without limiting player choices. The update includes significant balance changes, such as the removal of most stacking percentage bonuses for yields, replaced by flat bonuses, and a new cost-progression mechanic for buildings that increases future construction costs. Base production in towns has been reduced, and unit maintenance costs recalibrated. Two new types of city-states—diplomatic and expansionist—have been added, each offering distinct benefits. Napoleon has been overhauled to better reflect his historical significance, with updated abilities for both his personas. The update is now live, with a focus on maintaining backward compatibility for existing saves, though some new features may only be available in new games.
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