secure communication Archives

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Russia Mandates Pre-Installation of MAX Messenger on All Phones as Rival to WhatsApp and Telegram

The Russian government has mandated that all smartphones and tablets sold in the country must come pre-installed with MAX, a state-backed messaging application, starting September 1, 2025. This initiative is part of a strategy to enhance control over digital communications, requiring devices to also include RuStore, Russia's domestic app store, and from January 1, 2026, all smart TVs sold must feature LIME HD TV. MAX is presented as a secure alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, which have faced restrictions in Russia due to compliance issues. As of July 2025, WhatsApp had approximately 97.3 million users in Russia, and Telegram had around 90.8 million users. MAX, developed by VK, a state-controlled firm, reported 18 million downloads during testing. Approximately 105 million Russians own smartphones, indicating that about 72 percent of the population possesses one. There were around 216 million mobile connections in Russia as of early 2025.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Russia restricts calls on WhatsApp, Telegram as internet control tightens

The Russian government has imposed restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram as part of its efforts to tighten control over the internet amid the conflict in Ukraine. These restrictions affect approximately 96 million monthly WhatsApp users and over 89 million Telegram users in Russia. The regulator, Roskomnadzor, cited concerns from law enforcement about criminal activities occurring on these platforms. Access to voice calls will be restored only if the companies comply with Russian laws, including providing user data to law enforcement. Users have also reported disruptions to video calls. The government recently enacted a law penalizing online users for searching content deemed illicit and plans to promote a domestic messaging app named Max. WhatsApp defended its commitment to user privacy, while Telegram highlighted its measures against misuse.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Russia curbs WhatsApp, Telegram calls to ‘combat criminals’

Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced restrictions on calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram to combat criminal activities. The agency claims these messaging apps have become primary channels for fraud, extortion, and recruitment for subversive actions. Russian security services allege that Ukraine uses Telegram for recruitment and sabotage. The government seeks greater control over user data for investigations into fraud and terrorism. Restrictions will be lifted once the platforms comply with local legislation. Telegram stated it actively prevents misuse of its platform, while WhatsApp expressed concerns over the implications of these restrictions on user privacy and security.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Decentralizing Trust — An Interview with the Team Behind Session Messenger

Session is a decentralized messaging platform that prioritizes user anonymity and metadata resistance. It operates on a network of community-operated servers, eliminating central authority and personal identifiers such as phone numbers or emails for account creation. This design minimizes risks of data breaches and unauthorized tracking. Session does not collect user metadata, which distinguishes it from other messaging apps that may expose user insights through metadata. Users are assigned randomly generated cryptographic keys instead of traditional identifiers, ensuring secure messaging. Messages are routed via a protocol called Onion Requests, which strips metadata during transmission. The platform is open-source, benefiting from community contributions, and aims to enhance user privacy by employing anonymous routing. Recent developments include a migration to the Session Network for improved accessibility and security, and a move to Switzerland for better data protection. Session is introducing a Pro tier to enhance user experience while maintaining free access for all. The platform emphasizes the importance of transparency and robust design in communication tools.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

8 Android Apps That Will Supercharge Your Productivity

- Foxy Notes is a note-taking app that offers rich text formatting and integration with Google Drive, available in both free and premium versions. - MobileTrans allows quick and secure data transfer between devices, including specialized features for WhatsApp. - OnionShare enables private and secure file sharing using the Tor network, ensuring anonymity for users. - Rev Voice Recorder captures and transcribes audio accurately, supporting background recording and integration with Dropbox. - Memory Guardian protects clipboard privacy by automatically clearing sensitive data at customizable intervals. - Regain helps users manage screen time and promotes mindful digital habits with insights and features to reduce distractions. - WTMP monitors unauthorized access to phones by logging failed unlock attempts and requires device administrator permissions. - Safe Space is a secure storage app that encrypts sensitive files and requires biometric or PIN authentication for access. - Smart Launcher 6 customizes Android device interaction with automatic app sorting, adaptive themes, and privacy tools.

AppWizard

July 13, 2025

Secure Messaging: The Guardian Leverages Millions of Readers to Provide Strong Plausible Deniability

The Guardian has introduced a tool called Secure Messaging to protect journalistic sources, utilizing an open-source technology named CoverDrop. This system allows whistleblowers to communicate securely and anonymously with journalists by concealing the fact that messaging is occurring. CoverDrop integrates a module within The Guardian's mobile app, an untrusted cloud-based API, on-premises services known as CoverNode, and a desktop application for journalists. The CoverNode functions as a mix node to ensure the anonymity of sources. The app exchanges encrypted messages that appear indistinguishable from regular app data, providing cover for users. The technology has been rolled out to millions of users this year, and a white paper detailing its design has been published. Currently, the platform does not allow sharing of photographs or documents, but future plans include linking uploaded files with conversations. The source code for CoverDrop is available on GitHub under the Apache License 2.0.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Jack Dorsey launches Bitchat, a secure messaging app that doesn’t use the internet

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, Bluesky, and Square, has introduced a private messaging application called Bitchat, which operates independently of traditional internet or cellular networks. Bitchat utilizes decentralized Bluetooth technology and end-to-end encryption for secure communication. It is based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, extending the typical Bluetooth range from 100 meters to 300 meters. Developed with the help of an AI coding companion named Goose, Bitchat is described as a "weekend project." The app aims to provide resilient and private communication, but critics have raised security concerns about its authentication system. Dorsey has issued a disclaimer stating that Bitchat is a "work in progress" and has not undergone external security review, warning users against relying on its security until it is evaluated.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s New Private Messenger App Doesn’t Need an Internet Connection

Jack Dorsey has launched a beta project called Bitchat, a private messaging app that uses mesh networks and Bluetooth technology to facilitate communication without internet connectivity. Bitchat allows direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity and features automatic message relay to extend its range. The app prioritizes user privacy by not requiring phone numbers or permanent identifiers and ensures end-to-end encryption. Dorsey emphasizes the app's independence from traditional internet infrastructure, making it resilient to outages and censorship. The project is still in its early stages, and its technical robustness remains to be evaluated.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Builds Bitchat, A Bluetooth Messaging App That Doesn’t Need Internet, Phone Numbers

Jack Dorsey has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which operates without an internet connection by using a Bluetooth mesh network. The app allows devices to communicate directly, facilitating message exchanges without mobile data or centralized servers. Currently in beta testing on Apple TestFlight, Bitchat aims for peer-to-peer communication off the grid and incorporates "store and forward" technology for message delivery. It allows users to communicate anonymously without the need for accounts or personal information, making it suitable for privacy-conscious individuals, activists, and those in areas with restricted internet access. However, Bitchat has limitations, including range restrictions due to Bluetooth connectivity, support for only plain text messages, and potential increased battery consumption. The app is still in development and not fully polished.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Chat Without Wi-Fi: Meet Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, introduced Bitchat, a messaging system using Bluetooth technology for offline, encrypted communication. Bitchat allows peer-to-peer messaging between nearby devices, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy mesh to facilitate short-range interactions. Messages can be transmitted securely within a range of approximately 30 meters, forming temporary mesh hubs for message relaying. The application features end-to-end encryption, password-protected group rooms, emergency wipes for quick message deletion, and independence from traditional identifiers like phone numbers. Bitchat offers a viable alternative to cloud-dependent apps in situations with limited connectivity.