user monitoring Archives

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

WhatsApp accuses Kremlin of trying to ‘fully block’ messaging app in Russia

The Russian government has escalated tensions with foreign messaging platforms by attempting to block WhatsApp, which has been removed from accessible domain names by Roskomnadzor, limiting its use to those with VPNs. WhatsApp expressed concern that this action aims to direct users towards a state-owned surveillance application and could jeopardize the safety of over 100 million users in Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that dialogue with Meta could lead to a resolution, while the government promotes MAX, a state-backed messaging app criticized for potential user monitoring. The crackdown on WhatsApp and Telegram is part of a broader initiative by the Russian government, which has initiated partial blocks on these platforms, claiming they facilitate scams and illicit activities. Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, criticized the government's actions as an attempt to force citizens into using a state-controlled app that undermines freedom and privacy.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

75% Of Top Free Apps Are Spying On You — With Messenger, Pinterest And Lyft Leading 2025’s Most Invasive List

Approximately 75% of the top 100 free mobile apps are tracking user data without explicit consent, as revealed by a study from Tenscope. The most invasive app is Facebook Messenger, scoring 100 out of 100 for invasiveness, collecting over 20 times the data compared to more privacy-conscious apps. Lyft ranks third in terms of data privacy concerns. The study also identified common deceptive design patterns that pressure users into granting excessive permissions, such as 'All or Nothing' consent and complex privacy settings. The 10 most private apps include TeaOnHer, ParentSquare, and Microsoft Edge, which demonstrate that robust functionality can be achieved with minimal data collection.