takedown Archives

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Fully Playable Scream Game Found in Steam Leak [2026]

A horror game based on the Scream film franchise was discovered in the Steam data leak that occurred from August 29 to 31, 2026. The game, an unfinished multiplayer prototype created by Fatshark, was found by a Twitter user named Roly Poly Reaper, who managed to run it on their computer and enable online multiplayer. The prototype included several unfinished builds, with one featuring operational networking code that allowed players to take on the roles of survivors evading a player-controlled Ghostface. The project appears to have been a pitch build, never fully greenlit for production, and was stored in Valve’s old Steam2 backend for approximately 15 years before the leak. Roly Poly Reaper used the Goldberg Steam emulator and Radmin VPN to run the game, circumventing the need for a live connection to Valve’s servers. Fatshark, known for cooperative shooters, had reportedly built the Scream prototype around 2011, coinciding with the release of Scream 4. The prototype's existence predates the popularization of the asymmetric horror genre by several years. The Steam2 leak itself involved approximately 12 to 13 terabytes of data, including various internal builds and beta versions from Valve and third-party developers. Valve has not publicly commented on the leak.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

The latest GTA 6 leak confirms the leaker likely has or had access to a playable build

A new video leak of Grand Theft Auto 6 from a source called Leek features a blue and yellow biplane flying over Vice City, showcasing impressive visual detail. Discussions on Reddit highlight the video's lifelike quality. Previous leaks were speculated to be from a Rockstar presentation linked to a Netflix showcase. The latest footage suggests intentional actions by the leaker, raising questions about its authenticity and the possibility of a playable build of GTA 6 being in their possession. Some observers speculate that generative AI may have been used in the video. The quick removal of earlier clips supports the idea that the leaked materials could be genuine. The game's release is anticipated in three months, and confirmation of the leak's legitimacy could pose significant challenges for Rockstar and Take-Two.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Catastrophic GTA VI leak is a full working build — notorious hacker CyberLeek taunts Rockstar Games by spraying the word ‘leek’ onto a wall in-game with bullets

The hacker known as Cyberleek has released new gameplay clips and the entire map of Grand Theft Auto VI, indicating possession of a complete, unreleased build of the game. In a notable clip, the character spells out "LEEK" by shooting at a wall, suggesting the hacker recorded themselves playing. Rockstar Games has issued DMCA takedown notices but some clips remain accessible. Cyberleek has vowed to continue leaking content until Rockstar issues a public apology and a commitment to improvement, hinting at the possibility of revealing the game's ending. Earlier this year, Rockstar faced a hack that threatened to release confidential data unless a ransom was paid. Despite the leaks, many gamers are expected to still purchase GTA VI.

BetaBeacon

August 18, 2026

Best Android Emulators 2026: 4 of 7 Play Store Banned

- Ads: No - Funding model: Open-source community RetroArch - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: Open-source community Winlator - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: Donation-funded DraStic - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: None public

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Privacy or Evasion? The Policy Dilemma Around Messaging App Usernames

On June 29, 2026, WhatsApp introduced a feature allowing users to create usernames to enhance privacy by enabling connections without revealing phone numbers. The Government of India expressed concerns about potential increases in cybercrime linked to this feature and issued a notice to WhatsApp requesting a pause on its rollout. The notice demanded justification under various laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000. Similar inquiries were sent to other messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. This scrutiny represents a shift from reactive measures to proactive assessments of platform design, emphasizing how features like usernames can impact user safety and accountability. The Delhi High Court upheld a temporary ban on Telegram during an examination period, recognizing the relevance of platform architecture in assessing risks. The increase in cybersecurity incidents in India raised concerns about usernames enabling fraud and evasion. The government is advocating for a balanced approach that allows pseudonymous interaction while ensuring accountability.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Govt orders GitHub to remove code for internet-free messaging app

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has directed GitHub to remove three repositories associated with the Bitchat messaging application, co-founded by Jack Dorsey. This action is one of the first implementations of the amended IT Rules' "reasoned intimation" mechanism, extending the takedown framework to software repositories. I4C expressed concerns about Bitchat's potential misuse for unlawful activities such as coordinating unlawful assemblies, inciting violent protests, disseminating misinformation, radicalization, and criminal conspiracies. The application allows for anonymous communication without user registration or centralized logging, complicating law enforcement's ability to conduct lawful interception and investigations.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

GitHub ordered to remove decentralized messaging app Bitchat in India

India's Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered GitHub to remove repositories related to Jack Dorsey's Bitchat application, citing concerns that the platform could allow users to bypass internet shutdowns and evade surveillance. The directive targets the software itself rather than specific unlawful content, referencing Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and requires compliance within three hours to avoid legal repercussions for GitHub. The repositories in question are: - github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat - github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat-android - github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat-android/releases Bitchat is a decentralized messaging app that operates over Bluetooth mesh networks, which does not require internet access and facilitates anonymous communication. The app's design includes features like end-to-end encryption and no mandatory user registration. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) claims the app could be misused for illegal activities and cites local laws as justification for the takedown. The order comes amid ongoing protests in New Delhi, where internet access has been suspended. The Internet Freedom Foundation has criticized the order as unconstitutional and has called for its retraction. It is currently unclear if GitHub will comply with the takedown request.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

India orders takedown of Jack Dorsey’s bitcoin-linked messaging app Bitchat

India's Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has ordered GitHub to remove Bitchat, an offline messaging app created by Jack Dorsey, due to its use by anti-government demonstrators in Delhi. The order, issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, targets three GitHub repositories linked to Bitchat and requires action within three hours. The app enables anonymous communication without registration, posing challenges for law enforcement regarding lawful interception and investigation. Bitchat is a decentralized messaging tool that uses Bluetooth mesh networks for encrypted communication without internet access, and it also supports offline bitcoin transactions, ensuring continuity during outages or shutdowns.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

75% of all PS3 games reportedly now run on PC via open-source emulator RPCS3 — announcement comes weeks after Sony’s plan to shutter the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita by

RPCS3 is a multi-platform open-source emulator for PlayStation 3, with 2,681 out of 3,559 PS3 titles currently compatible. It allows gaming on Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD. The development team aims for full preservation of the PS3 library. Sony plans to cease production of physical game discs by 2028 and shut down the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita in 2027. Of the remaining titles, 816 are playable but have serious glitches, 60 can reach the main menu but do not load further, and 2 titles initialize but are stuck on a black screen. Emulation is not inherently illegal if users play games they own, as established by legal precedents. A DMCA takedown request from Atlus regarding Persona 5 was unsuccessful. RPCS3 has shown performance improvements, achieving a 5% to 7% boost in FPS, with some titles reaching over 1500 FPS.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Surprise, surprise, Minecraft players are already using mods to bypass Xbox’s new age restrictions

Xbox has implemented social restrictions for players in the UK who have not verified their age as over 18, in line with the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA). Players may receive a notification stating "chat is not allowed by account settings" due to this age verification requirement. Many Minecraft players on PC are using mods to bypass these restrictions. Following the OSA's introduction, VPN applications gained popularity, and a security breach last October exposed nearly 70,000 user ID photos from an age verification firm associated with Discord. The UK government plans to enforce stricter regulations for users under 16 starting next year, which may lead to increased efforts to take down mod solutions.