western Archives

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Kremlin may ban popular messaging app to tighten control over internet resources

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted an increase in the Kremlin's censorship efforts to control the digital landscape in Russia. On July 18, Anton Gorelkin, First Deputy Chairperson of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy, warned that WhatsApp may face restrictions in the Russian market and indicated that the Kremlin-backed messaging app, MAX, is intended to replace it. Committee member Anton Nemkin labeled WhatsApp a national security threat, suggesting Telegram as an alternative, but acknowledged MAX as the preferred option. WhatsApp is currently the most popular messaging app in Russia, with about 84 million daily users, but a ban on it is seen as likely. Insiders believe Telegram will remain operational due to its support of Kremlin-affiliated channels. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, has been classified as an extremist organization by the Russian government. ISW has previously reported on the Kremlin's plans for MAX as a national messenger, and if successful, Telegram and other Western social media platforms may also face bans. The Kremlin's strategy aims to isolate and censor Russian citizens while promoting its narratives.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Russia Moves to Ban WhatsApp and Launch State Messenger.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is widely used in Russia, but the government has raised concerns about its compliance with local data localization laws due to its servers being outside the country. As a result, state-owned employees are prohibited from using WhatsApp for official communications starting in 2025, and a complete ban could be imposed if Meta does not comply with regulations. The Russian government is developing a domestic messaging service, informally called “Vlad’s App,” expected to launch by the end of 2025, to enhance control over information and ensure compliance with local laws. While the current ban affects only government and state employees, broader restrictions on WhatsApp may occur, potentially impacting private users. The government's push for digital sovereignty aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and promote domestic alternatives, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the isolation of Russia's internet from the global community.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Russian Developers Urge Ban on Microsoft Windows for School Exams

The Domestic Software Association, representing over 300 Russian IT companies, is advocating for a ban on Microsoft’s Windows operating system during school examinations, citing a conflict with a presidential decree banning foreign software in government institutions starting January 2025. The association expressed concerns in a letter to the Digital Development Ministry, the Education Ministry, and Rosobrnadzor regarding a directive that mandates the Unified State Exam be conducted solely on Windows. They are promoting the use of domestic operating systems like Astra Linux and urging revisions to exam preparation guidelines to include Russian office software suites. New federal regulations restrict foreign software procurement and incentivize Russian alternatives, with a law effective September 1 requiring only software registered with the Digital Development Ministry for critical national infrastructure. The initiative to replace foreign software began in 2023, but as of August 2024, only about 60% of schools and universities had transitioned to domestic solutions, with complete transition expected to take several more years.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

Cladun X3 Announced For PC & Console Release This Year

NIS America has announced the release of Cladun X3 for PC and consoles, set to launch before the end of the year. In the game, players assume the role of a villain in the realm of Arcanus Cella, participating in a death game for world peace. Players can customize their experience with six weapon types, ten jobs, and the Magic Circle System, which allows for strategic character enhancements. The game features both a story mode and randomly-generated dungeons called Ran-geons.

TrendTechie

July 1, 2025

Благодаря платформе Google западные потребители могут качать

A new method for downloading torrent files using Google Colab has been developed to avoid notifications from internet service providers and copyright infringement penalties. This method uses the aria2 utility to mask the user's IP address by executing scripts in Google Colaboratory, which runs aria2 on a Google-hosted virtual machine. Users can download files via magnet links while their IP address remains hidden, displaying the Google server's IP instead. Downloaded files are stored in Google Drive for later access, enhancing privacy and simplifying file retrieval.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Cats Away Confirmed For PC & Console Release Next Week

Indie game developer Studio Saizensen, in collaboration with publisher Nicalis, will release Cats Away on July 10, 2025, for PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PS5. The game features three sisters—Kanna, Lilia, and Alicia—who embark on a maritime adventure with their feline companions. Players will manage their ship's crew and resources, engage in combat, and explore various ports. The game includes over 60 catmates with unique abilities, a single-player experience of over 30 hours, customizable ships, over 150 unique weapons, and an unlockable online mode. Special cat crew members inspired by popular characters will also be available.

BetaBeacon

June 30, 2025

Surrealist Documentary Game about Climate Crisis Atuel Lands on Android

Atuel is a free game that explores the relationship between people and the environment in western Argentina's Cuyo desert region.

TrendTechie

June 26, 2025

Юзеры с запада нашли способ уклонятся от штрафов за торренты

Western users have discovered a technique for downloading torrents that helps evade warnings from internet service providers and financial penalties for copyright infringement. This method uses Google Colab with the aria2 downloader to mask the user's IP address. The process involves running programs in Google Colaboratory, which installs aria2 on a virtual machine, allowing users to download torrent files via magnet links. The downloads occur on Google’s servers, displaying a Google IP address to the torrent network. Files are stored in Google Drive for retrieval. Although this method conceals the user's IP address, downloading copyrighted materials remains illegal in many jurisdictions.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Putin signs-off on state messaging app

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the creation of a state-backed messaging platform to reduce reliance on foreign services. The new app will integrate with government services and address security vulnerabilities in existing platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. It will be pre-installed on all new smartphones sold in Russia and mandated for communication within public institutions. This initiative aims to enhance Russia's digital sovereignty amid the withdrawal of Western tech firms since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. There are concerns about user privacy and potential state surveillance, with critics suggesting the government may restrict access to foreign messaging services to promote the state-run alternative.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Putin authorises creation of state messaging app to combat WhatsApp and Telegram

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the development of a state-sponsored messaging application aimed at integrating government services and reducing reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. This initiative is part of Russia's broader tech policy focused on digital sovereignty, especially in response to geopolitical tensions since February 2022. Russian lawmakers believe the new app will offer superior features compared to existing platforms, but there are concerns about privacy and government oversight. Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, has expressed worries that the government may intentionally slow down WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage users to switch to the new app.