targeted advertising Archives

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

OpenAI Tests Ads in ChatGPT Android Beta, Sparking Privacy Fears

OpenAI is testing advertising features in the beta version of the ChatGPT Android app, indicating a shift towards monetization to diversify revenue streams amid rising operational costs. Leaked code suggests features like “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel,” which could integrate ads alongside user interactions. Speculation points to a potential ad rollout as early as 2026. OpenAI has recently hired advertising engineers to support this initiative, which aims to utilize user data from billions of daily prompts for targeted advertising. Concerns about privacy and user trust have emerged, with users worried about the monetization of personal conversations. The advertising strategy positions OpenAI against competitors like Google and Meta, who already monetize through ads. The introduction of shopping research features in ChatGPT may enhance commerce integrations with sponsored recommendations. User reactions have been mixed, with some expressing excitement over new opportunities while others feel betrayed by the potential commercialization of personal data.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Meta Introduces Ads To WhatsApp As Messaging App Expands Revenue Strategy

WhatsApp has announced the introduction of advertisements in its "Updates" tab, which is used by approximately 1.5 billion daily users. Personal chats will remain free from ads, and the platform assures that end-to-end encryption will protect private conversations from being used for advertising purposes. This shift marks a departure from WhatsApp's previous ad-free policy, originally upheld by its founders. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is looking to monetize the app, which has over 2.5 billion users, while maintaining user trust and privacy. Advertisements will be targeted using limited user information, and two additional revenue-generating features have been introduced: paid subscriptions for Channels and promoted channels. Meta reported total revenue of 4.5 billion in 2025, with .6 billion coming from advertising across its platforms. Analysts suggest the introduction of ads could impact user experience, with the potential to alienate users who value WhatsApp's simplicity and ad-free environment. Meta plans to monitor user feedback as it rolls out the advertising initiative.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Microsoft may have a ‘gift card plan’ to stop Windows users from choosing Google Chrome over Edge – The Times of India

Microsoft is promoting its Bing search engine and Edge browser by offering Windows users 1,300 Rewards points to discourage them from using competitors like Google Chrome. When users search for "Chrome" on Bing, they see ads for Edge that highlight the opportunity to earn these points, which can be redeemed for gift cards or donated to non-profits. The ads specifically target Chrome users, with no similar promotions for other browsers like Opera or Firefox. The Browser Choice Alliance has criticized Microsoft for incentivizing users instead of competing fairly. Additionally, Microsoft runs ads for Edge every two weeks, promoting it as a superior option that uses Chromium technology, offers Microsoft Rewards points, and features like a VPN, while also showcasing AI personalization capabilities.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

“Whatsapp Killer?” Elon Musk Reveals X Chat, a Bitcoin-Style Encrypted Messaging App

Elon Musk has announced a new messaging platform called X Chat, which prioritizes user privacy and security by utilizing a peer-to-peer encryption system similar to Bitcoin's technology. The app is currently being tested and is expected to launch in the coming months. X Chat will not include advertising hooks or collect user data for targeted advertising, aiming to eliminate privacy risks associated with such practices. It is designed to allow users to send text messages, share files, and conduct audio and video calls. Musk claims it will be more secure than existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

Elon Musk Is Building X Chat — His Answer to WhatsApp and Telegram

Elon Musk is set to launch X Chat, a new messaging app designed to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram, featuring Bitcoin-inspired encryption and a commitment not to sell user data to advertisers. He revealed the project on The Joe Rogan Experience, explaining that his team has revamped the messaging infrastructure of the X platform to create this distinct app. The launch is expected in the coming months, and Musk emphasized that X Chat will operate without advertising hooks. Musk criticized WhatsApp for its data practices, asserting that it allows for potential privacy breaches. In contrast, he aims for X Chat to be a secure platform for sending text, files, and making audio and video calls, available both within the X platform and as a standalone app.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Microsoft lifts more safeguard holds blocking Windows 11 updates | The Cyber Security Hub™

LinkedIn uses both essential and non-essential cookies to enhance platform functionality, ensure security, and analyze services. Essential cookies are necessary for site operation, while non-essential cookies personalize user experience and deliver targeted advertisements. Users can manage their cookie preferences by accepting or rejecting non-essential cookies and can change their decisions at any time through account settings.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Made In India Messenger App Arattai Has More Features Than Whatsapp – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

The Arattai app, developed by Zoho and launched in 2021, has seen a 100-fold increase in user sign-ups due to endorsements from the Indian government and a strong social media presence. It allows multi-device access, including on Android TVs, offers unique features like channels, stories, and a pocket feature for organizing personal content, and operates efficiently on low-memory smartphones and older networks. Arattai is free to use, ad-free, and does not utilize personal data for targeted advertising, contrasting with WhatsApp's practices.

AppWizard

September 13, 2025

Instagram Joins Facebook, Meta, Messenger, Nordstorm, Pinterest, Threads in Becomes Most Invasive Applications for Southeast Asian Travellers – Travel And Tour World

Instagram is considered one of the most invasive apps for Southeast Asian travelers, collecting extensive personal data, including location, preferences, and browsing habits. It shares the top position with Facebook, both collecting 32 types of data, with 25 types directly linked to users. Both platforms track seven types of data across various services. Grab ranks third, collecting 27 types of data, with eight linked to users and 15 tracked across services. Threads, another Meta app, collects 32 types of data, all linked directly to users, without tracking data externally. Messenger also collects 32 types of data linked directly to users. Meta Business Suite collects the same amount of data as Messenger and Threads, all linked to users, without external tracking. Nordstrom Rack collects 22 types of data, with four linked to users and 18 tracked across services. Pinterest collects 29 types of data, with only two linked directly to users and six tracked across services. The AE + Aerie app collects 21 types of data, with three linked to users and 16 tracked across platforms. The extensive data collection by these apps raises significant privacy concerns, particularly regarding how the data is used for commercial gain and targeted advertising.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

AI App Spies on Android Users via Unauthorized Mic and Camera Access

An application designed for voice dictation and automated note-taking has been accused of unauthorized surveillance by accessing microphone and camera functionalities even when not in use. This behavior allows for the collection of data from ambient conversations, raising concerns about user privacy and consent. The app circumvents standard user notifications by embedding surveillance capabilities within seemingly innocuous updates. Indicators of potential surveillance include unusual battery drain, unexpected spikes in data usage, and apps requesting unrelated permissions. Economic motivations drive the collection of data for targeted advertising and machine learning, prioritizing profit over user privacy. In response, tech companies like Google are tightening controls, increasing Play Protect scans, while experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication and auditing app permissions.

AppWizard

September 2, 2025

Citizen Lab Exposes Hidden Ties in 20 Android VPN Apps with 700M Downloads

Researchers from Citizen Lab discovered that over 20 popular Android VPN applications, collectively downloaded 700 million times, are interconnected through undisclosed ownership ties. These applications, marketed as independent privacy solutions, share codebases, servers, and encryption vulnerabilities. The VPN providers are categorized into three families linked to a Russian entity, a Chinese company, and another with ambiguous origins. Apps like Turbo VPN, X-VPN, and UFO VPN share cryptographic keys and backdoors, increasing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks. Many applications use outdated encryption methods, making it easy for attackers to decrypt user traffic. Some apps route user data through servers in jurisdictions with lax privacy regulations, exposing sensitive information. The investigation revealed identical backend infrastructures among different apps, despite claims of no-log policies, breaching user trust. Hidden trackers within the apps contradict their privacy assurances. Regulators are beginning to respond, with Google removing problematic apps and the EU considering stricter data access regulations. Experts recommend choosing vetted, paid VPN services that undergo independent audits to ensure better security.