user data protection Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify Introduces In-App Messaging for Sharing Music Recommendations With Your Friends

Spotify is introducing a new feature called Messages, allowing users to share music, podcast, and audiobook recommendations within the app. This feature will be available to Free and Premium members aged 16 and older and will initially launch on mobile devices in select markets. Users can share recommendations by tapping the share icon next to their current listening selection and sending it to friends they've previously interacted with on the platform. The feature supports one-to-one conversations and is designed to complement existing social media channels. Spotify emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe environment, applying standard rules against illegal and harmful content and ensuring user data protection through encryption technology.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify Launches In-App Messaging, Hoping New DM Feature Will Boost Listening and ‘Drive Hype’

Spotify is introducing a new feature called Messages that allows users aged 16 and older to engage in direct messaging within the app. This feature will launch this week in select markets on mobile devices. Users can share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within Spotify, rather than relying on external messaging apps. The addition of Messages is based on user feedback indicating a desire for a dedicated space for sharing content. Users can message individuals they have previously interacted with, receive suggestions based on shared activities, and manage message requests. The feature includes options to block accounts and report inappropriate content, with industry-standard encryption for user data protection. To use Messages, users tap the share icon while listening to content, choose a friend, and send the message.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google Android Developer Identity Verification Policy 2026 – News and Statistics

Google will require all developers distributing Android applications outside of the Play Store to undergo identity verification starting globally in 2026. This policy aims to reduce malware threats and enhance user data protection. The verification process will begin with an early access program in October 2025, followed by mandatory verification in March 2026, initially enforced in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a wider rollout expected in 2027. Developers must provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number. Google will also create a separate account type for student and hobbyist developers. The Play Store has required developer verification since 2023.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Messenger, Pinterest, Lyft, Duolingo, Google Maps, Expedia Become Most Invasive Apps of 2025, Here is a New Update

The 2025 App Privacy Index reveals that Messenger is the most invasive app with a privacy risk score of 100/100, followed by Pinterest (72/100), Lyft (69/100), and Amazon Shopping (68/100). DoorDash ranks 5th (66/100) with its consumer app and 9th (58/100) with its driver app. Duolingo, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Expedia complete the top ten most invasive apps. Instagram has a privacy score of 57/100 and recently faced criticism over its new Maps feature, which raises concerns about real-time location tracking. Meta's data collection practices are widespread across its platforms, including Messenger, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Some apps, like TeaOnHer (0/100) and ParentSquare (4/100), prioritize user privacy, contrasting with the other invasive apps. Users are advised to review app permissions and consider privacy-friendly alternatives. The public backlash against Instagram's Maps feature indicates a growing demand for transparency regarding data collection practices. As data protection regulations tighten, there is potential for companies in the travel sector to adopt better privacy practices.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

WhatsApp ban: US congressional staffers must delete the messenger

The US House of Representatives has banned the use of WhatsApp on all work devices due to cybersecurity concerns, categorizing it as a "high risk" application. The ban is based on criticisms regarding a lack of transparency in user data protection, insufficient encryption of stored data, and potential security vulnerabilities. Employees are instructed to remove the app from their devices, and alternatives such as Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime are recommended. This decision aligns WhatsApp with other previously banned applications, and there is speculation that similar guidelines may be adopted by other government agencies.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

The Digital Privacy Paradox: Encrypted Messaging App ‘Session’ Solves What Others Won’t

Instant messaging has become a crucial part of global communication, connecting billions of users while raising concerns about privacy and security. Many popular messaging apps, despite encryption, still expose users to privacy threats through metadata collection, which can reveal personal information. Session is a messaging platform that aims to address these issues by minimizing metadata usage and ensuring user anonymity through anonymous sign-ups, a decentralized infrastructure, and advanced encryption techniques. Session does not require personal details like phone numbers or emails for registration and operates on a network of over 2,200 nodes, making it difficult for any single entity to access or censor user data. The app is open-source, allowing for transparency and independent audits, and employs onion routing to enhance security. Session is particularly beneficial for journalists and activists who need secure communication in surveillance-prone environments. The platform is governed by the non-profit Session Technology Foundation, which prioritizes user privacy over profit. Session's upcoming token, $SESH, will incentivize individuals to operate nodes, contributing to the decentralized nature of the network and enhancing security through staking mechanisms. The transition from Oxen to Session Token on Arbitrum aims to improve efficiency and scalability while planning for a future where privacy-first messaging competes with mainstream platforms.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

Google Blocks Over 2 Million Risky Apps to Boost Android Security

In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million potentially dangerous Android apps from the Play Store, including those that breached policies or were flagged as malicious through AI-assisted reviews. New security features included improved biometric authentication and passkeys. AI-driven threat detection technology automated 92% of human assessments, enhancing the identification of malicious apps. Google expanded its Play SDK database with 80 new reliable SDKs and prevented 1.3 million apps from accessing sensitive user information. The Play Protect system detected over 13 million new malicious apps from outside the Play Store. Google expanded its untrusted APK installation blocking system to Brazil, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. Recommendations for users included installing apps from trusted sources and regularly reviewing app permissions.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Windows and Office get smart: An overview of Microsoft’s AI services

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its software ecosystem, particularly in Windows and Office applications. The AI assistant Copilot is accessible via the taskbar or Start menu and operates through the Edge browser, allowing users to engage with AI for tasks like generating text and creating images. Copilot is embedded in Microsoft Edge, enabling users to ask questions and receive answers powered by Bing, with options for different conversational styles. The Edge integration offers enhanced capabilities such as summarizing web content and utilizing plugins for travel and dining searches, which are not available in the standalone app. Microsoft's Paint application has been upgraded with Cocreator and Image Creator features that use AI to generate images based on user descriptions, leveraging Dall-e technology from OpenAI. The Image Creator operates through Microsoft’s cloud resources, while Cocreator processes locally on Copilot Plus devices. The Windows Photo Viewer has a generative erase function that allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos, intelligently filling in gaps left behind. Microsoft has developed PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to handle AI tasks locally, enhancing performance and addressing data privacy concerns. The Designer feature has expanded from PowerPoint to Word, providing AI-driven design suggestions, but requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. The Copilot Pro subscription allows for text generation, template creation, and data analysis in Excel, though some limitations exist. AI capabilities have also been integrated into tools like Clipchamp and Teams for video creation and communication management. Microsoft has paused the rollout of the Recall feature, which tracks user activity through screenshots, due to privacy concerns.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Microsoft delays rollout of the Windows 11 Recall feature yet again

Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager for Microsoft Windows Insider, stated that Microsoft is committed to delivering a secure experience with its upcoming feature, Recall, and is taking additional time to refine it before previewing it with Windows Insiders. Recall will utilize Windows' Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) features and Windows Hello authentication for enhanced user data protection. The feature will be opt-in by default and fully removable. Recall will require a Copilot+ PC, which must have at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of at least 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Users must enroll in the Windows Insider Program to access Recall, and speculation suggests that non-Windows Insider PCs may not receive it until 2025.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Google’s theft protection features for Android spotted in global rollout

Google is rolling out new security features for Android devices under the brand "Theft Detection" to enhance user data protection against device theft. Key features include: 1. Theft Detection Lock: An AI-powered lock screen that detects suspicious motion resembling theft and automatically locks the phone. 2. Remote Lock: Allows users to lock their devices remotely by providing their phone number and completing a security challenge; compatible with Android 10 and newer. 3. Offline Lock: Secures the device against unauthorized access if taken offline for an extended period, locking out thieves who attempt to disable connectivity. These features were first mentioned at Google’s I/O 2024 event and are being rolled out globally, with reports from users in various countries. Additionally, Google is developing "Private Spaces" for Android 15, allowing users to create secure areas for sensitive apps, and exploring enhancements for one-time password protection and Restricted Settings.