social media landscape Archives

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Meta Learns That Nothing Is a Monopoly If You Just Wait Long Enough

Judge James Boasberg ruled that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, does not have an illegal monopoly in the social media market. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) failed to prove that Meta currently holds monopoly power, despite its past dominance. The emergence of competitors like TikTok and YouTube has created significant competition for Meta. The judge noted that consumers are increasingly spending time on these alternative platforms, which contributes to Meta's need to invest heavily to stay relevant. This ruling is part of a broader trend among major tech companies successfully navigating antitrust challenges in rapidly changing markets.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Viral rapper claims his TikTok-famous track is in GTA 6, and I’ll be switching stations if it is

The song 'Doot Doot (6 7)' by rapper Skrilla, which has gained popularity on TikTok, is claimed to be featured in GTA 6. The game is expected to include a diverse soundtrack spanning various genres. T-Pain has hinted at his involvement with GTA 6, and other artists like DJ Khaled and Pitbull are rumored to be part of the game. Rockstar has introduced music-related characters for GTA 6, including Boobie Ike and Dre'Quan Priest, associated with the fictional label Only Raw Records.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing more adverts in messaging app

WhatsApp is launching three new advertising features to enhance user engagement without compromising private conversations. The platform will not use the encrypted content of users' messages for ads but will utilize data such as location, language, and ad interactions. Users linked to Facebook or Instagram will see personalized ads in a section called Updates at the bottom of the app. Businesses can promote their channels, attract followers, and offer subscription-based access, with WhatsApp taking a 10% commission on these fees. Firms can also use status updates for ads that direct users to chats. Concerns exist about potential user backlash if the app becomes cluttered with ads, particularly in regions like the UK and Europe. WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, reassured users that those who use the app solely for messaging will not be affected by the ad features. While the Updates section may not be popular in the UK, it has received a better response in other areas.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Elon Musk’s X Blocks Links To Signal App As Federal Workers Turn To Encrypted Messaging Amid DOGE Fallout: Report

Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, has started blocking links to Signal.me, a URL shortener for the privacy-focused messaging app Signal. Users are experiencing difficulties sharing Signal.me links through public posts, direct messages, or profile pages. Musk had previously supported Signal, which led to a rise in its downloads. X has not commented on the situation, leading to speculation about its motivations. Critics point out that this move contrasts with Musk's portrayal as a proponent of free speech, as his management of X has included restrictions on content that opposes his views. Additionally, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program Musk supports, aims to cut federal costs, affecting nearly 10,000 employees and possibly eliminating agencies like USAID. Many former employees are turning to Signal for secure communication, highlighting the importance of privacy in digital communication.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

TikTok is back in US app stores for Apple and Android

TikTok has returned to the app stores of both Apple and Android in the United States after being removed due to a divest-or-ban law enacted by former President Joe Biden, which raised national security concerns about its parent company, ByteDance. The app was inaccessible since late January, despite its service remaining operational. A Supreme Court ruling on January 17 upheld the ban, leading to TikTok's reinstatement by Apple and Android shortly thereafter. During TikTok's removal, there was a surge in secondhand sales of used iPhones pre-installed with the app, and competitors like Meta-owned Instagram announced new applications to rival TikTok. Users also explored alternative platforms like Clapper and RedNote during TikTok's absence.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

TikTok allows US Android users to download app via website

TikTok has enabled US Android users to download its app directly from its website to bypass restrictions from a law that threatens to ban the platform unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests ownership. Since the law's enactment on January 19, Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok in their app stores due to national security concerns. The legislation requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, halting new downloads from official app stores while current users can still access the app. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order delaying enforcement of this law by 75 days and is in discussions regarding a potential acquisition of TikTok. He has also proposed creating a sovereign wealth fund to facilitate the acquisition, though details are unclear. TikTok has 170 million users in the US and denies allegations of being a security threat, stating that user data is stored on Oracle-operated cloud servers and content moderation is done domestically. The ban has faced criticism from free speech advocates, and concerns persist about ByteDance's potential obligations to the Chinese government regarding user data. TikTok maintains it operates independently and has measures to protect user information. ByteDance has not disclosed plans for the sale of TikTok or legal challenges to the law.

AppWizard

August 25, 2024

Telegram messaging app CEO Durov reportedly arrested in France

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was taken into custody shortly after arriving at Le Bourget airport near Paris. This detention is part of a preliminary investigation into potential criminal activities related to Telegram's moderation practices and cooperation with law enforcement. Durov holds dual citizenship in France and the UAE and may face indictment. Telegram, founded in 2013, has nearly one billion users and is significant in the social media landscape, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. Durov's brother, Nikolai, was instrumental in developing the app's encryption technology. Since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, Telegram has been a key information source for both Ukrainian and Russian officials, attracting scrutiny from European nations regarding security and data privacy. Durov's arrest occurred around 8 p.m. local time, and reactions include calls for upholding his rights and concerns over free speech in Europe.

AppWizard

August 25, 2024

CEO of Telegram messaging app arrested in France, say French media

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Bourget airport near Paris while traveling on his private jet due to a warrant issued in France as part of a preliminary police investigation. The investigation focuses on Telegram's moderation practices amid concerns over criminal activities on the platform. Durov was reportedly en route from Azerbaijan when he was taken into custody around 18:00 GMT. The Russian Embassy in France has not been contacted by Durov's team but is seeking to clarify the situation. Russian officials have criticized France for the arrest, and Russian bloggers have called for protests at French embassies in response.

AppWizard

June 24, 2024

Meta launches AI assistant on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger in India – The Tech Portal

Meta has introduced an AI assistant powered by Llama 3 to the Indian market, allowing users to access it on popular social platforms without the need for separate app downloads.

AppWizard

June 18, 2024

TikTok launches Whee, an Instagram-inspired social app for friends

ByteDance has quietly introduced Whee, a new social media app that focuses on personal and authentic photo-sharing experiences exclusively for close friends.