source transparency Archives

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

5 Best Alternatives to WhatsApp in 2026 (Private & Secure)

The rise of encrypted messaging apps is driven by privacy concerns, as users seek alternatives to traditional platforms that may compromise security. Corporations, hackers, and governments actively monitor online communications for various reasons, making secure messaging essential. Several leading secure messaging apps have been identified: - Signal: Known for robust security features, including end-to-end encryption and open-source transparency. It requires a phone number for registration. - Threema: Allows anonymous communication without personal identifiers and offers end-to-end encryption. It does not have a free version and has a smaller user base. - Telegram: With over 500 million users, it offers self-destructing messages and works across multiple devices, but not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. Messaging platforms to avoid include WhatsApp, which collects extensive metadata, Keybase, which has credibility concerns after being acquired by Zoom, and regular SMS, which lacks encryption. When selecting an encrypted messaging app, users should look for end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, limited data collection, and compatibility with other services. Signal is frequently cited as the most secure messaging app.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

My top 6 open-source Android apps from the Google Play Store – and why that’s important

Android supports a variety of open-source applications available on the Google Play Store. Notable open-source apps include: 1. Bitwarden: A password manager with open-source transparency, strong encryption, secure sharing, two-factor authentication, an intuitive interface, auto-fill capabilities, and a random password generator. It offers both free and paid versions. 2. Brave: A secure browser built on Chromium that prioritizes user privacy, includes an AI tool for summarizing websites, a toggleable VPN feature, and a privacy stats widget. It is free and resembles the Chrome interface. 3. Wavelet: An app for optimizing music playback through wireless earbuds, featuring preset sound profiles, AutoEQ, and a graphic equalizer. It is free and simplifies sound customization based on earbud models. 4. Tor Browser: A browser focused on privacy and anonymity, providing robust security layers, though it may be slower due to these protections. 5. KDE Connect: An app that connects Android devices with Linux systems for sharing clipboard content, files, URLs, and notifications, and allows remote command execution. It is freely available and compatible with various desktop environments. 6. ProtonVPN: A VPN service offering secure and private internet access, tracker blocking, and servers in over 110 countries. It has a free version with limitations and a subscription option for enhanced features.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Signal says it is ‘gold standard’ for encrypted messaging, despite claims of vulnerabilities

Rep. Pat Harrigan of North Carolina raised concerns about a report that the Trump administration accidentally texted a journalist about military operations in Yemen, questioning the security protocols of the administration regarding the encrypted messaging app, Signal. Signal responded by asserting that its software is "the gold standard for private, secure communications" and clarified that a reported "vulnerability" was related to phishing scams and not flaws in their technology. The company has introduced new user flows and in-app warnings to protect against phishing attacks and emphasized its open-source nature for regular audits. President Trump acknowledged the mistake, stating that a staffer mistakenly added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a group chat discussing a military strike against the Houthis in Yemen, which included senior officials. The incident has led to criticism, particularly from Democrats calling for resignations and congressional testimony from those involved.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

AI Overviews in the Google app could get a much-needed fact-check boost (APK Teardown)

Google is testing enhancements to its Gemini AI Overviews feature in the Google app for Android, aiming to improve source transparency by allowing users to directly access linked sources within AI-generated summaries. This change is designed to make it easier for users to verify information and enhance trust in the content. The beta version of the app, v15.47.28, includes an expand icon that reveals a list of sources and related content, similar to the mobile web experience. While the rollout timeline is uncertain, there is optimism that this feature will soon be available to Android users.