spread of misinformation Archives

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

The Best Private Messaging Apps for 2025

Privacy and security are distinct concepts; privacy concerns identifiable information, while security relates to data vulnerability. Protecting privacy is essential due to the interest of companies in harvesting data. Reliable messaging apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure messages, with varying implementations. Apps like Briar and Session operate on decentralized networks and prioritize user privacy, while Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp have different levels of security features. Signal and WhatsApp provide E2EE for personal chats, but Telegram only offers it for "Secret Chats." Business accounts on WhatsApp lack encryption. Signal is a nonprofit that does not sell user data, while Telegram operates for profit and has faced criticism for privacy enforcement. Briar and Session allow anonymous communication without personal data. Law enforcement can access messages through various methods, but apps like Signal and Telegram are resistant to inquiries. WhatsApp is the most widely used app, while Telegram and WhatsApp offer more social features but come with risks. All three services support voice and video calling, with varying reliability. Signal is highlighted as the best option due to its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Minecraft Education teaches kids the dangers of AI through a noir detective lens — encouraging artificial intelligence literacy

On September 16, 2025, Minecraft launched a program called Reed Smart: AI Detective aimed at players aged 8 to 18, focusing on enhancing information literacy in the context of artificial intelligence. The game consists of three acts: 1. The Deepest Fake - Players learn to discern authenticity in AI-generated videos. 2. An Ode to Deception - Players explore tools for detecting AI-generated content and the importance of human judgment. 3. Dine & Deceive - Players identify falsehoods created by AI and learn verification techniques. The game encourages players to engage in interviews, contextualize statements, and recognize AI misuse, fostering skills such as lateral reading and fact-checking. As players progress, the game's visual representation changes from monochrome to vibrant colors, symbolizing their growth in information literacy. Reed Smart: AI Detective is available for download on the Minecraft: Education Library and the Minecraft Marketplace, with additional resources provided by Microsoft for further learning about AI literacy.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

The PlayStation Network has been taken completely offline across all platforms for more than half a day, preventing online gaming, store purchases, game updates, and more

Access to the PlayStation Network (PSN) is being restored for some PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users after an outage that began on February 8, 2025, at 1 AM CET. The outage affected PSN logins and services across all platforms, including PS5, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, and PC, and lasted over 16 hours. Sony acknowledged the issue via a tweet but has not clarified the cause of the disruption. Users have reported difficulties with offline gaming due to dependencies on PSN, such as digital rights management (DRM) checks and day-one updates. The situation has led to increased panic and confusion among customers, reminiscent of the 2011 PSN hack and outage.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft just delayed Recall again

Microsoft has delayed the rollout of its Recall feature for Copilot Plus PCs, originally scheduled for testing with Windows Insiders in October, now pushed to December. The delay is due to the need for additional time to ensure a secure and reliable user experience. Recall was initially intended for a June launch but faced delays due to security concerns. The feature will be an opt-in experience, fully removable by users, and will not be automatically installed on PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2. Microsoft has focused on enhancing Recall's security, including fully encrypting its database and requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Recall allows users to capture screenshots of their activities and revisit them through an interactive timeline.

Winsage

September 23, 2024

Huawei to dump Windows for PCs,use own HarmonyOS instead

Huawei's current lineup of PCs will be the last to support Windows, as future devices will run on HarmonyOS, which features a new kernel developed independently of Linux and will not support Android applications. Huawei holds about ten percent of China's annual PC market, with Lenovo leading at 38 percent. HarmonyOS faces challenges in gaining support from major software vendors, especially in gaming. The Bombay High Court ruled against India's proposed government-run fact-checking unit, declaring it unconstitutional. Indonesian superapp GoTo has signed a long-term agreement with Tencent Cloud for cloud infrastructure solutions, following a recent partnership with Alibaba Cloud. Singapore's Monetary Authority and the Association of Banks announced mandatory facial authentication in higher-risk scenarios using the Singpass identity service. Fukushima Prefecture is experiencing a surge in datacenter construction, with three groups planning to establish datacenters, leveraging the area's renewable energy resources. Mongolia ranked 46th in the 2024 United Nations E-Government Survey, improving 28 places since 2022, with 75 percent of adults finding it easier to access government services through the E-Mongolia platform. Tata Group of India and Analog Devices signed a memorandum of understanding to explore cooperative manufacturing opportunities. Eutelsat selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for multiple satellite launches starting in 2027. Ricoh and LG entered a memorandum of understanding to integrate LG's displays into Ricoh's offerings. Lenovo partnered with SentinelOne to incorporate security and AI solutions into millions of PCs.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Is Telegram, Ukraine’s most popular messenger app, a Russian Trojan horse?

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was recently arrested in Paris on accusations of facilitating terrorism through his app, raising security concerns in Ukraine where Telegram has become the most popular messenger since the Russian invasion in 2022. A poll shows that over half of Ukrainians now prefer Telegram for news updates, a significant rise from 20% in 2021. Telegram's anonymity has led to its misuse, with Russian forces exploiting the platform to create fake accounts and spread disinformation. The app has a history of being utilized in political campaigns, influencing public perception, and has been linked to harassment of journalists and anti-corruption activists. Despite concerns about accountability and misinformation, Ukrainian authorities are not considering a ban on Telegram but are exploring regulations for transparency and accountability.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

What is Telegram and why was its CEO Pavel Durov arrested in Paris?

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Paris-Le Bourget Airport after arriving from Azerbaijan, based on allegations of money laundering, drug trafficking, and the distribution of child sexual abuse images. As of Monday afternoon, he had not been formally charged, and a French investigative judge extended his detention for up to four days for questioning. Telegram has over 950 million active users and is known for its large group chat capacity and encryption features, which are not enabled by default. The platform has faced criticism for its content moderation policies and has been accused of being exploited for illegal activities. In 2022, Germany fined Telegram for not complying with local laws on reporting illegal content, and Brazil temporarily suspended the app for refusing to provide data during a police investigation. Following Durov's arrest, Telegram reiterated its commitment to comply with EU laws and improve content moderation practices.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

What is Telegram and why was its CEO arrested in Paris?

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on allegations that his platform has been used for drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Durov holds citizenship in France, Russia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the UAE, and has spent significant time in Italy. Telegram, launched in 2013, allows group chats of up to 200,000 participants and has over 950 million active users. Following his arrest, Telegram stated it complies with EU laws and that Durov “has nothing to hide.” Reports indicate that Durov's detention is linked to an arrest warrant related to money laundering and drug trafficking. Under French law, he can be held for questioning for up to four days. Reactions to his arrest include mixed sentiments from Russian officials, with some viewing it as politically motivated, and support from Elon Musk, who shared the hashtag “#freePavel.” Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced criticism for its content moderation practices, which are seen as inadequate in preventing illegal activities.

AppWizard

August 26, 2024

Telegram messaging app CEO Pavel Durov arrested at French airport

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris after arriving from Baku, Azerbaijan. He is scheduled to appear in court following his detention related to a preliminary investigation involving serious allegations such as fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promoting terrorism. The French office OFMIN issued an arrest warrant due to concerns about Durov's alleged inaction regarding criminal exploitation on his platform. The Russian embassy in Paris has expressed concerns over Durov's arrest and accused French authorities of a lack of cooperation. Dmitry Medvedev, former president of Russia, commented on Durov's situation, suggesting he miscalculated by leaving Russia and avoiding cooperation with security services. Telegram, which has over 900 million active users, is based in Dubai and promotes itself as a privacy-centric messaging app, despite facing criticism for being a platform for misinformation and harmful content.

AppWizard

August 26, 2024

Telegram says arrested CEO Pavel Durov has ‘nothing to hide’

Pavel Durov, CEO of messaging app Telegram, was detained at an airport in France under a warrant related to allegations of insufficient moderation on the platform, focusing on its failure to address criminal activities such as drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud. Telegram claims its moderation practices meet industry standards and comply with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act. Durov's detention has been extended up to 96 hours, and he holds citizenship in both the UAE and France. The Russian government is involved, with its embassy in France working to clarify Durov's situation and ensure his rights are protected. Critics argue that Telegram's structure allows for the spread of misinformation and extremist content, and while some problematic groups have been removed, experts suggest its moderation system is less effective than those of other major platforms.