On Monday, several Indian media reported that India’s COVID-19 vaccine booking portal, CoWIN, was compromised, and sensitive personal information of thousands of users was leaked on the Telegram social messaging app.

It was claimed that a Telegram bot was revealing sensitive data of the users when inquired about an individual’s phone number. The bot leaked the name, Aadhaar number, PAN number, passport number, date of birth, location, gender, and the institute from where they got vaccinated.

Notably, a user had to save some of these details while registering for the CoWIN app.

Millions of Indian users had signed up on CoWIN portal, launched on January 16, 2021, and have used it to book vaccination slots. The data includes more than 40 million children aged between 12-14 and over 37 million people over the age of 45, a significant part of which could be senior citizens.

Now, it is no longer possible to access this bot.

<h2>Indian government’s response</h2>

There were two, slightly different, reactions from the government.

The first one was issued by the Indian health ministry which outrightly rejected claims of data leak saying that "all such reports are without any basis and mischievous in nature".

In a press release, the health ministry said that there are three ways in which data on CoWIN can be accessed.

First, a user can access their data on the portal through a one-time password (OTP) sent to their mobile number.

&nbsp;Two, a vaccinator can access the data of a person, and the CoWIN system tracks and records each time an “authorised” user accesses the system.

&nbsp;And lastly, third-party applications that have been provided authorised access of CoWIN APIs can access personal level data of vaccinated people after OTP authentication.

The government claimed that without an OTP, data cannot be shared with the Telegram bot.

The ministry further pointed out that CoWIN only collects their year of birth while there is no provision to save a person’s address on the platform.

“Security Measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity &amp; Access Management, etc,” it said in a statement.

The health ministry further said that it has roped in the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)—the Indian nodal government agency that looks after cyber security—to look into this issue and submit a report. In addition, an internal exercise has been initiated to review the existing security measures of CoWIN.&nbsp;

However, minutes later the Minister of Electronics and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, released a statement via Twitter that an initial investigation had already indicated that there had been a previous instance of CoWin data leak.

&nbsp;"A Telegram Bot was throwing up Cowin app details upon entry of phone numbers. The data was being accessed by bot from a threat actor database, which seems to have been populated with previously stolen data," he said.

Experts have noted that the CoWIN breach controversy warrants an urgent need for a data protection bill that will protect citizens from such exposure and ensure the accountability of institutions.

<h2>What is a bot?</h2>

A bot, short for robot, is a software application programmed to perform tasks through Robotic Process Automation, or RPA. Bots work by automatically going through a set of instructions, and they carry out tasks and processes much faster, more accurately, and at a higher volume than it would otherwise take humans.

On Telegram, every bot has a unique handle. To add a bot, one has to simply search for it, click on the bot handle and they will be able to interact with it in the chat window.

These bots can support "any kind of task or service," with some popular functions including delivering answers to users' FAQs, converting certain file types into others, or setting reminders for users.

However, of late, there has been sharp in increase of mishandling bots and primarily used to run scams, or exfiltrate personal data.

<h2>Can a bot threaten privacy of users?</h2>

Apparently yes, One of the main concerns raised&nbsp;about chatbots is the collection of personal information. Many chatbots collect user data, including their conversations, personal preferences, and location. Though this data is used used to personalise the chatbot responses and improve the user experience, there have been many instances where it is used for scams and identity thefts, spread malware and launch cyberattacks.

<h2>Has this happened before?</h2>

Twice there have been claims of CoWIN breach. The first instance was in June 2021, where a few had claimed the portal had been hacked resulting in the sale of data relating to 150 million Indians. The Indian government denied that this had happened.

Then in January last year, when similar reports of a data breach emerged, the chief of the National Health Authority, Ram Sewak Sharma, responded saying the database was "safe and secure".

<h2>What is CoWIN and how does it work?</h2>

CoWIN, which stands for COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network, is an app introduced and made under the aegis of the central government for the vaccination process.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-data-breach-in-india-personal-info-of-covid-vaccine-recipients-leaked-on-telegram-say-reports-603379">CoWIN leak: Indian govt refutes Covid vaccine portal data breach reports, orders probe</a>

It serves various services like registration, beneficiary tracking, appointment scheduling, vaccine stock management, real-time data monitoring, identity verification, vaccination, and issuing an instant digital certificate to each vaccinated individual.&nbsp;

CoWIN has so far recorded more than 2.2 billion administered vaccine doses through 5,773 vaccination sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Monday, several Indian media reported that India’s COVID-19 vaccine booking portal, CoWIN, was compromised, and sensitive personal information of thousands of users was leaked on the Telegram social messaging app.

On Monday, several Indian media reported that India’s COVID-19 vaccine booking portal, CoWIN, was compromised, and sensitive personal information of thousands of users was leaked on the Telegram social messaging app. It was claimed that a Telegram bot was revealing sensitive data of the users when inquired about an individual’s phone number. The bot leaked the name, Aadhaar number, PAN number, passport number, date of birth, location, gender, and the institute from where they got vaccinated. Notably, a user had to save some of these details while registering for the CoWIN app. Millions of Indian users had signed up on CoWIN portal, launched on January 16, 2021, and have used it to book vaccination slots. The data includes more than 40 million children aged between 12-14 and over 37 million people over the age of 45, a significant part of which could be senior citizens. Now, it is no longer possible to access this bot. Indian government’s response There were two, slightly different, reactions from the government. The first one was issued by the Indian health ministry which outrightly rejected claims of data leak saying that "all such reports are without any basis and mischievous in nature". In a press release, the health ministry said that there are three ways in which data on CoWIN can be accessed. First, a user can access their data on the portal through a one-time password (OTP) sent to their mobile number. Two, a vaccinator can access the data of a person, and the CoWIN system tracks and records each time an “authorised” user accesses the system. And lastly, third-party applications that have been provided authorised access of CoWIN APIs can access personal level data of vaccinated people after OTP authentication. The government claimed that without an OTP, data cannot be shared with the Telegram bot. The ministry further pointed out that CoWIN only collects their year of birth while there is no provision to save a person’s address on the platform. “Security Measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity & Access Management, etc,” it said in a statement. The health ministry further said that it has roped in the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)—the Indian nodal government agency that looks after cyber security—to look into this issue and submit a report. In addition, an internal exercise has been initiated to review the existing security measures of CoWIN. However, minutes later the Minister of Electronics and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, released a statement via Twitter that an initial investigation had already indicated that there had been a previous instance of CoWin data leak. "A Telegram Bot was throwing up Cowin app details upon entry of phone numbers. The data was being accessed by bot from a threat actor database, which seems to have been populated with previously stolen data," he said. Experts have noted that the CoWIN breach controversy warrants an urgent need for a data protection bill that will protect citizens from such exposure and ensure the accountability of institutions. What is a bot? A bot, short for robot, is a software application programmed to perform tasks through Robotic Process Automation, or RPA. Bots work by automatically going through a set of instructions, and they carry out tasks and processes much faster, more accurately, and at a higher volume than it would otherwise take humans. On Telegram, every bot has a unique handle. To add a bot, one has to simply search for it, click on the bot handle and they will be able to interact with it in the chat window. These bots can support "any kind of task or service," with some popular functions including delivering answers to users' FAQs, converting certain file types into others, or setting reminders for users. However, of late, there has been sharp in increase of mishandling bots and primarily used to run scams, or exfiltrate personal data. Can a bot threaten privacy of users? Apparently yes, One of the main concerns raised about chatbots is the collection of personal information. Many chatbots collect user data, including their conversations, personal preferences, and location. Though this data is used used to personalise the chatbot responses and improve the user experience, there have been many instances where it is used for scams and identity thefts, spread malware and launch cyberattacks. Has this happened before? Twice there have been claims of CoWIN breach. The first instance was in June 2021, where a few had claimed the portal had been hacked resulting in the sale of data relating to 150 million Indians. The Indian government denied that this had happened. Then in January last year, when similar reports of a data breach emerged, the chief of the National Health Authority, Ram Sewak Sharma, responded saying the database was "safe and secure". What is CoWIN and how does it work? CoWIN, which stands for COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network, is an app introduced and made under the aegis of the central government for the vaccination process. Also read | CoWIN leak: Indian govt refutes Covid vaccine portal data breach reports, orders probe It serves various services like registration, beneficiary tracking, appointment scheduling, vaccine stock management, real-time data monitoring, identity verification, vaccination, and issuing an instant digital certificate to each vaccinated individual. CoWIN has so far recorded more than 2.2 billion administered vaccine doses through 5,773 vaccination sites. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: CoWIN data leak, and how bots stoke privacy tensions

The Indian government refuted media reports of a major data breach in the Covid vaccination portal CoWIN. Issuing a statement,<a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1931691"> the Union Health Ministry</a> said, "These reports allege a breach of data from the Co-WIN portal of the Union Health Ministry, which is the repository of all data of beneficiaries who have been vaccinated against Covid."

“Certain posts on the social media platform Twitter have claimed using a Telegram (online messenger application) BOT, the personal data of individuals who have been vaccinated is being accessed. It is reported that the BOT has been able to pull individual data by simply passing the mobile number or Aadhaar number of a beneficiary,” the statement said.&nbsp;

The ministry asserted that such reports are without any basis and are mischievous.&nbsp;

“Co-WIN portal of the Health Ministry is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. Furthermore, security measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity &amp; Access Management etc. Only OTP authentication-based access of data is provided,” the statement further said.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that without a One-Time-Password (OTP), vaccinated beneficiaries’ data cannot be shared with any BOT.&nbsp;

The health ministry also requested the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to look into this issue and submit a report. In addition, an internal exercise has been initiated to review the existing security measures of CoWIN.&nbsp;

CERT-In in its initial report has pointed out that the backend database for the Telegram bot was not directly accessing the APIs of the CoWIN database.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the reports say?</h2>

Earlier on Monday, a section of the Indian media reported&nbsp;that the personal details of those registered to CoWIN&nbsp;were available on the messaging platform Telegram. According to a report by The News Minute, a Telegram bot had&nbsp;been giving away the details of people who registered for vaccination including their names, date of birth, phone numbers, and other details provided at the time of registration, such as passport or Aadhar numbers among others.&nbsp;

As per a report by Kerala-based Malayala Manorama, if the mobile number of a person was entered, the above details were provided as a reply in an instant by Telegram. The details could be accessed even if the Aadhar number was entered instead of the mobile number, the report added.&nbsp;

Passport numbers of people who updated CoWIN&nbsp;for travelling abroad were leaked. The Manorama report also said that since&nbsp;many members of a family registered themselves on the portal under a single phone number, their details were also available on Telegram.&nbsp;

<h2>TMC’s Saket Gokhale alleges data breach of politicians, journalists</h2>

The data breach also leaked the details of many prominent politicians and journalists in India. In a Twitter thread, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saket Gokhale shared screenshots of the details of politicians and journalists being leaked.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
SHOCKING: 
 
There has been a MAJOR data breach of Modi Govt where personal details of ALL vaccinated Indians including their mobile nos., Aadhaar numbers, Passport numbers, Voter ID, Details of family members etc. have been leaked &amp; are freely available. 
 
Some examples 👇 
 
(1/7)
— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaketGokhale/status/1668104757704269824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"There has been a MAJOR data breach of Modi Govt where personal details of ALL vaccinated Indians including their mobile nos., Aadhaar numbers, Passport numbers, Voter ID, Details of family members etc. have been leaked &amp; are freely available," Gokhale tweeted and slammed the central government of not being aware of the leak and not informing citizens about the same.&nbsp;

"Who has the Modi Govt given access to sensitive personal data of Indians incl Aadhaar &amp; Passport nos. which enabled this leak?" the TMC leader added and called the breach "a matter of serious national concern."

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The Indian government refuted media reports of a major data breach in the Covid vaccination portal CoWIN. Issuing a statement, the Union Health Ministry said, "These reports allege a breach of data from the Co-WIN portal of the Union Health Ministry, which is the repository of all data of beneficiaries who have been vaccinated against Covid.

The Indian government refuted media reports of a major data breach in the Covid vaccination portal CoWIN. Issuing a statement, the Union Health Ministry said, "These reports allege a breach of data from the Co-WIN portal of the Union Health Ministry, which is the repository of all data of beneficiaries who have been vaccinated against Covid." “Certain posts on the social media platform Twitter have claimed using a Telegram (online messenger application) BOT, the personal data of individuals who have been vaccinated is being accessed. It is reported that the BOT has been able to pull individual data by simply passing the mobile number or Aadhaar number of a beneficiary,” the statement said. The ministry asserted that such reports are without any basis and are mischievous. “Co-WIN portal of the Health Ministry is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. Furthermore, security measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity & Access Management etc. Only OTP authentication-based access of data is provided,” the statement further said. The ministry also said that without a One-Time-Password (OTP), vaccinated beneficiaries’ data cannot be shared with any BOT. The health ministry also requested the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to look into this issue and submit a report. In addition, an internal exercise has been initiated to review the existing security measures of CoWIN. CERT-In in its initial report has pointed out that the backend database for the Telegram bot was not directly accessing the APIs of the CoWIN database. What did the reports say? Earlier on Monday, a section of the Indian media reported that the personal details of those registered to CoWIN were available on the messaging platform Telegram. According to a report by The News Minute, a Telegram bot had been giving away the details of people who registered for vaccination including their names, date of birth, phone numbers, and other details provided at the time of registration, such as passport or Aadhar numbers among others. As per a report by Kerala-based Malayala Manorama, if the mobile number of a person was entered, the above details were provided as a reply in an instant by Telegram. The details could be accessed even if the Aadhar number was entered instead of the mobile number, the report added. Passport numbers of people who updated CoWIN for travelling abroad were leaked. The Manorama report also said that since many members of a family registered themselves on the portal under a single phone number, their details were also available on Telegram. TMC’s Saket Gokhale alleges data breach of politicians, journalists The data breach also leaked the details of many prominent politicians and journalists in India. In a Twitter thread, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saket Gokhale shared screenshots of the details of politicians and journalists being leaked. SHOCKING: There has been a MAJOR data breach of Modi Govt where personal details of ALL vaccinated Indians including their mobile nos., Aadhaar numbers, Passport numbers, Voter ID, Details of family members etc. have been leaked & are freely available. Some examples 👇 (1/7) — Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) June 12, 2023 × "There has been a MAJOR data breach of Modi Govt where personal details of ALL vaccinated Indians including their mobile nos., Aadhaar numbers, Passport numbers, Voter ID, Details of family members etc. have been leaked & are freely available," Gokhale tweeted and slammed the central government of not being aware of the leak and not informing citizens about the same. "Who has the Modi Govt given access to sensitive personal data of Indians incl Aadhaar & Passport nos. which enabled this leak?" the TMC leader added and called the breach "a matter of serious national concern." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

CoWIN leak: Indian govt refutes Covid vaccine portal data breach reports, orders probe

Brazil lifted the suspension of the encrypted messaging app Telegram on Saturday after Flávio Lucas, a judge from Brazil's Federal Regional Court of the Second Region, partially revised a ruling which suspended the social media application over its non-compliance in sharing information about extremist and neo-Nazi groups using the platform.&nbsp;

The judge in his decision stated that complete suspension of the app “is not reasonable, given the broad impact throughout the national territory on the freedom of communication of thousands of people who are absolutely strangers to the facts under investigation.”

However, Judge Lucas did impose a daily fine of one million reais ($200,553) on the company for failing to provide the requested data.

<h2>Telegram's CEO says complying with Brazil 'technologically impossible'</h2>

Earlier this week, Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov had said that the company will appeal the Brazilian judge’s decision to suspend the encrypted messaging app for failing to provide data on neo-Nazi activity.

He said that the "requested data" the Brazil court has asked them to hand over is "technologically impossible" for them to obtain, as per AP reports.

The federal police had requested the countrywide suspension order after its parent organisation failed to provide data sought by authorities on neo-Nazi groups operating on the network, accused of instigating violence in schools.

<h2>App previously prohibited in country over failing to stop spread of fake news&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content.

“Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision.

The app had then been offline for less than 48 hours till the company chose to collaborate with Brazilian regulators.

The encrypted messaging application, Telegram has been suspended in the past by other governments, including Iran, China and Russia.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)
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Brazil lifted the suspension of the encrypted messaging app Telegram on Saturday after Flávio Lucas, a judge from Brazil's Federal Regional Court of the Second Region, partially revised a ruling which suspended the social media application over its non-compliance in sharing information about extremist and neo-Nazi groups using the platform.

Brazil lifted the suspension of the encrypted messaging app Telegram on Saturday after Flávio Lucas, a judge from Brazil's Federal Regional Court of the Second Region, partially revised a ruling which suspended the social media application over its non-compliance in sharing information about extremist and neo-Nazi groups using the platform. The judge in his decision stated that complete suspension of the app “is not reasonable, given the broad impact throughout the national territory on the freedom of communication of thousands of people who are absolutely strangers to the facts under investigation.” However, Judge Lucas did impose a daily fine of one million reais ($200,553) on the company for failing to provide the requested data. Telegram's CEO says complying with Brazil 'technologically impossible' Earlier this week, Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov had said that the company will appeal the Brazilian judge’s decision to suspend the encrypted messaging app for failing to provide data on neo-Nazi activity. He said that the "requested data" the Brazil court has asked them to hand over is "technologically impossible" for them to obtain, as per AP reports. The federal police had requested the countrywide suspension order after its parent organisation failed to provide data sought by authorities on neo-Nazi groups operating on the network, accused of instigating violence in schools. App previously prohibited in country over failing to stop spread of fake news Last year, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content. “Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision. The app had then been offline for less than 48 hours till the company chose to collaborate with Brazilian regulators. The encrypted messaging application, Telegram has been suspended in the past by other governments, including Iran, China and Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Brazil lifts suspension of Telegram, imposes fine over noncompliance of order

With Facebook and Instagram being banned, Russians are increasingly turning to Telegram messaging app for mass messaging in a way similar to social media.

According to AFP, Telegram app has been downloaded over 150 million times since the beginning of the year, with the official figure of half a billion active users dating back to January last year.

An average of 2.5 million new users joined Telegram daily in the last three weeks, the firm said, about a 25 per cent jump from the weeks prior, the firm said.

Even though Meta-owned WhatsApp has managed duck from the ban list, Telegram’s ability to disseminate information to large groups at a time has made it useful both for independent media and the Kremlin.

The trust on Telegram also stems from the fact that its creators, brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, are Russian citizens who left their home country in 2014.

Despite Telegram’s tendonous growth in Russia, concerns over its data security and misinformation still remain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

"Telegram's profile has grown enormously in recent weeks, and that has raised the stakes about the impact of misinformation on the platform", Enders Analysis media analyst Jamie MacEwan told AFP.

"Meta employs tens of thousands of moderators and huge problems still slip through the net," said MacEwan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-pro-invasion-rally-russian-president-vladimir-putin-dons-costly-loro-piana-jacket-463688" hreflang="en">As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally</a>

"It is unclear how much investment in moderation Telegram can support on its current funding model."

Entirely free, Telegram started advertising last year, but with a reduced, highly regulated offering, and guaranteeing that it would not use users' private data for targeting.

In April last year, the Russian business daily Vedomosti reported that the company was preparing to go public in 2023, and was aiming for a valuation of between US$30 billion and US$50 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Facebook and Instagram being banned, Russians are increasingly turning to Telegram messaging app for mass messaging in a way similar to social media. According to AFP, Telegram app has been downloaded over 150 million times since the beginning of the year, with the official figure of half a billion active users dating back to January last year.

With Facebook and Instagram being banned, Russians are increasingly turning to Telegram messaging app for mass messaging in a way similar to social media. According to AFP, Telegram app has been downloaded over 150 million times since the beginning of the year, with the official figure of half a billion active users dating back to January last year. An average of 2.5 million new users joined Telegram daily in the last three weeks, the firm said, about a 25 per cent jump from the weeks prior, the firm said. Even though Meta-owned WhatsApp has managed duck from the ban list, Telegram’s ability to disseminate information to large groups at a time has made it useful both for independent media and the Kremlin. The trust on Telegram also stems from the fact that its creators, brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, are Russian citizens who left their home country in 2014. Despite Telegram’s tendonous growth in Russia, concerns over its data security and misinformation still remain. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky "Telegram's profile has grown enormously in recent weeks, and that has raised the stakes about the impact of misinformation on the platform", Enders Analysis media analyst Jamie MacEwan told AFP. "Meta employs tens of thousands of moderators and huge problems still slip through the net," said MacEwan. Also read | As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally "It is unclear how much investment in moderation Telegram can support on its current funding model." Entirely free, Telegram started advertising last year, but with a reduced, highly regulated offering, and guaranteeing that it would not use users' private data for targeting. In April last year, the Russian business daily Vedomosti reported that the company was preparing to go public in 2023, and was aiming for a valuation of between US$30 billion and US$50 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

Telegram emerges as frontrunner amid Russia’s crackdown on Facebook, Instagram

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Friday ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content. <o:p></o:p>

The country’s internet regulators were instructed to block the use of Telegram with immediate effect after the Dubai-based company failed to remove profiles linked to one of the most prominent supporters of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and ignored multiple court ordered inquiries. <o:p></o:p>

“Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

Telegram is widely regarded as the social media of choice for Bolsonaro and his campaign has used the platform in the past for rallying his base and for addressing the criticism over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president, who has over a million followers on Telegram, will be looking to seek re-election when the country goes to the polls in October later this year.<o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, the judge said that Telegram also refused to comply with the rulings of the Superior Electoral Tribunal and the police along with the Supreme Court. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-not-had-unity-like-this-for-a-long-time-says-putin-at-a-concert-amid-ukraine-war-463574">We have not had unity like this for a long time, says Putin at a concert</a><o:p></o:p>

Bolsonaro took to Twitter on Friday to post a link for his Telegram account and asked his supporters to subscribe to his account before it was banned.

“Our Telegram informs people every day of many important actions of national interest, which many regrettably omit. Welcome, and share the truth.”<o:p></o:p>

The court decision was welcomed by Bolsonaro’s political opponents and political analyst and digital communications specialist Pablo Ortellado tweeted - The decision “will have big political and electoral repercussions. This could move one of the main game pieces of the campaign.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Friday ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Friday ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content. The country’s internet regulators were instructed to block the use of Telegram with immediate effect after the Dubai-based company failed to remove profiles linked to one of the most prominent supporters of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and ignored multiple court ordered inquiries. “Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision. Also read | Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky Telegram is widely regarded as the social media of choice for Bolsonaro and his campaign has used the platform in the past for rallying his base and for addressing the criticism over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The president, who has over a million followers on Telegram, will be looking to seek re-election when the country goes to the polls in October later this year. According to Reuters, the judge said that Telegram also refused to comply with the rulings of the Superior Electoral Tribunal and the police along with the Supreme Court. Also read | We have not had unity like this for a long time, says Putin at a concert Bolsonaro took to Twitter on Friday to post a link for his Telegram account and asked his supporters to subscribe to his account before it was banned. “Our Telegram informs people every day of many important actions of national interest, which many regrettably omit. Welcome, and share the truth.” The court decision was welcomed by Bolsonaro’s political opponents and political analyst and digital communications specialist Pablo Ortellado tweeted - The decision “will have big political and electoral repercussions. This could move one of the main game pieces of the campaign.” (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian supreme court bans messaging app Telegram ahead of presidential elections

Telegram has become immensely popular because users have been led to believe it’s highly secure. But is it really as safe as we think? Watch our report.

Why Telegram messaging app isn’t as secure as you think

Telegram is a popular cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging service that also provides end-to-end encrypted video calling, sharing and some other features.&nbsp;

But the question is — is it safe?&nbsp;

Telegram, which has more than 500 million monthly active users, has become immensely popular among users for its safety features and users believe that it's highly secure.&nbsp;

The messaging app is being slammed globally for failing to protect users on its platform and is being criticised on various fronts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zuckerberg-refers-to-his-staff-as-metamates-in-a-memo-laying-out-new-principles-454144">Zuckerberg refers to his staff as 'Metamates' in a memo laying out new principles</a>

As per a media report, women's nude pictures are shared on Telegram without their consent to harass, shame and blackmail them.&nbsp;

The reports have also stated that these women are then said to be contacted by other men who ask more for more intimate pictures.&nbsp;

It gets even worse when personal details like home addresses and parents' phone numbers are also posted alongside those explicit pictures.&nbsp;

According to the report, large groups and channels are sharing thousands of secretly filmed, stolen or leaked images of women in at least 20 countries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/live-in-the-future-mark-zuckerberg-revamps-company-values-as-meta-faces-investment-concerns-453785">‘Live in the future’: Mark Zuckerberg revamps company values as Meta faces investment concerns</a>

Group administrators ask members to send images of ex-partners, colleagues or fellow students to an automated account so that they could be published without revealing the identity of the sender.&nbsp;

In Telegram, one-on-one conversations are end-to-end encrypted but Telegram can't end-to-end encrypt group messages, which means those chats are not fully secure.&nbsp;

While Telegram allows users to report pornography on its platform, its moderation approach is lenient and shockingly, Telegram does not have a dedicated policy on tackling the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.&nbsp;

Medium for radicalisation&nbsp;

Telegram has also been under fire in some countries for harbouring extremism as Germany has concerns that the app is becoming a "medium for radicalisation".&nbsp;

Germany's federal criminal police office recently warned that the app is being used to target politicians, scientists and doctors for their role in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Germany has blamed Telegram for fuelling an increasingly hostile subculture of anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists. These users exchange news about supposed dangers and arrange protests that have spilt over into violence.&nbsp;

In Brazil, Telegram is facing the wrath of authorities for failing to fight misinformation on its platform. Brazil's supreme electoral court is considering a Telegram ban to fend off fake news ahead of the presidential elections in the country later this year.&nbsp;

The list of problems with Telegram is long as another research by cyber intelligence group cyberint claims that Telegram has exploded as a place for cybercriminals who look to buy, sell and share stolen data and hacking tools.&nbsp;

The messaging app is emerging as an alternative to the dark web. Cyber attackers use the app to infect user devices and launch malware attacks.&nbsp;

It seems that Telegram has become a hub for controversial content and illegal activities and it needs to take more stringent measures to ensure better user privacy.&nbsp;

It should step up to crack down on cybercrimes and proactively take down illegal content.&nbsp;

Telegram is a popular cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging service that also provides end-to-end encrypted video calling, sharing and some other features.

Telegram is a popular cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging service that also provides end-to-end encrypted video calling, sharing and some other features. But the question is — is it safe? Telegram, which has more than 500 million monthly active users, has become immensely popular among users for its safety features and users believe that it's highly secure. The messaging app is being slammed globally for failing to protect users on its platform and is being criticised on various fronts. ALSO READ | Zuckerberg refers to his staff as 'Metamates' in a memo laying out new principles As per a media report, women's nude pictures are shared on Telegram without their consent to harass, shame and blackmail them. The reports have also stated that these women are then said to be contacted by other men who ask more for more intimate pictures. It gets even worse when personal details like home addresses and parents' phone numbers are also posted alongside those explicit pictures. According to the report, large groups and channels are sharing thousands of secretly filmed, stolen or leaked images of women in at least 20 countries. ALSO READ | ‘Live in the future’: Mark Zuckerberg revamps company values as Meta faces investment concerns Group administrators ask members to send images of ex-partners, colleagues or fellow students to an automated account so that they could be published without revealing the identity of the sender. In Telegram, one-on-one conversations are end-to-end encrypted but Telegram can't end-to-end encrypt group messages, which means those chats are not fully secure. While Telegram allows users to report pornography on its platform, its moderation approach is lenient and shockingly, Telegram does not have a dedicated policy on tackling the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Medium for radicalisation Telegram has also been under fire in some countries for harbouring extremism as Germany has concerns that the app is becoming a "medium for radicalisation". Germany's federal criminal police office recently warned that the app is being used to target politicians, scientists and doctors for their role in tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Germany has blamed Telegram for fuelling an increasingly hostile subculture of anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists. These users exchange news about supposed dangers and arrange protests that have spilt over into violence. In Brazil, Telegram is facing the wrath of authorities for failing to fight misinformation on its platform. Brazil's supreme electoral court is considering a Telegram ban to fend off fake news ahead of the presidential elections in the country later this year. The list of problems with Telegram is long as another research by cyber intelligence group cyberint claims that Telegram has exploded as a place for cybercriminals who look to buy, sell and share stolen data and hacking tools. The messaging app is emerging as an alternative to the dark web. Cyber attackers use the app to infect user devices and launch malware attacks. It seems that Telegram has become a hub for controversial content and illegal activities and it needs to take more stringent measures to ensure better user privacy. It should step up to crack down on cybercrimes and proactively take down illegal content.

Is Telegram safe to use? Here's what's wrong with messaging service. It isn't as secure as you think it is

Germany said that the Telegram app is becoming a 'medium for Radicalisation' with private abuse happening in Telegram's public rooms.

Germany: Telegram app is becoming a 'medium for Radicalisation'

A Russian court imposed a $28,085 fine on Alphabet Inc.'s Google for failing to delete content which it defined as illegal.

The court in Moscow also fined Russia's messaging service Telegram 49,440 Euros.&nbsp;

The move comes as American tech giants Google, Twitter and Facebook have faced huge fines in the recent past.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-settle-us-charges-of-tax-evasion-russian-billionaire-pays-500-million-425174">Also Read:&nbsp;To settle US charges of tax evasion, Russian billionaire pays $500 million</a>

Apple and Google had earlier removed a voting app created by Putin's critic &nbsp;Alexei Navalny's allies during Russia's parliamentary elections.

Navalny had accused the tech companies of being "liars and hypocrites" and behaving as Putin's &nbsp;"accomplices".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russian-space-agency-chief-invites-elon-musk-for-tea-and-space-talks-411960">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian space agency chief invites Elon Musk for tea and space talks</a>

Google has two more cases pending in Russian court. The hearing for the two cases was postponed till November 29 giving the Google representatives some breather.

(With inputs from Agencies)

A Russian court imposed a $28,085 fine on Alphabet Inc.'s Google for failing to delete content which it defined as illegal. The court in Moscow also fined Russia's messaging service Telegram 49,440 Euros.

A Russian court imposed a $28,085 fine on Alphabet Inc.'s Google for failing to delete content which it defined as illegal. The court in Moscow also fined Russia's messaging service Telegram 49,440 Euros. The move comes as American tech giants Google, Twitter and Facebook have faced huge fines in the recent past. Also Read: To settle US charges of tax evasion, Russian billionaire pays $500 million Apple and Google had earlier removed a voting app created by Putin's critic Alexei Navalny's allies during Russia's parliamentary elections. Navalny had accused the tech companies of being "liars and hypocrites" and behaving as Putin's "accomplices". Also Read: Russian space agency chief invites Elon Musk for tea and space talks Google has two more cases pending in Russian court. The hearing for the two cases was postponed till November 29 giving the Google representatives some breather. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian court fines Google, Telegram

When Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp got hit by a global outage, the competitive social media platforms buckled up and welcomed all the new and revived users.<o:p></o:p>

In this technologically advanced world, competition is one of the biggest motivators for a company to do better. However, this competitive market can also bring in huge losses for companies.<o:p></o:p>

One such incident happened when the global outage of Facebook Inc. took place. Telegram, an instant messaging service like WhatsApp, gained nearly 70 million new users on Monday when the social media platforms of Facebook group.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-illogical-zuckerberg-hits-out-at-facebook-whistleblower-418514">'Deeply illogical': Zuckerberg hits out at Facebook whistleblower</a></o:p>

"The daily growth rate of Telegram exceeded the norm by an order of magnitude, and we welcomed over 70 million refugees from other platforms in one day," Telegram founder Pavel Durov wrote on his Telegram channel. <o:p></o:p>

He also thanked his team for pulling up extra weight during this increased work load, and apologised to existing users for any possible delays in the platforms. "I am proud of how our team handled the unprecedented growth because Telegram continued to work flawlessly for the vast majority of our users. That said, some users in the Americas may have experienced slower speed than usual as millions of users from these continents rushed to sign up for Telegram at the same time."<o:p></o:p>

This growth in the new users took place as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp failed to load and the platforms kept crashing for all users.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/error-during-routine-maintenance-of-data-centers-facebook-418552">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/error-during-routine-maintenance-of-data-centers-facebook-418552/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The global outage continued for nearly six hours and no explanation was provided by the platforms until later. These platforms, however, simply tweeted out apologies for the disruption of services. "We apologize to all those affected, and we're working to understand more about what happened today so we can continue to make our infrastructure more resilient," Facebook Vice President Infrastructure Santosh Janardhan said in a statement on Monday.<o:p></o:p>

However, the company has also assured that there has been no compromise in the user database privacy. The company said there is "no evidence that user data was compromised as a result of this downtime."<o:p></o:p>

When Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp got hit by a global outage, the competitive social media platforms buckled up and welcomed all the new and revived users. In this technologically advanced world, competition is one of the biggest motivators for a company to do better.

When Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp got hit by a global outage, the competitive social media platforms buckled up and welcomed all the new and revived users. In this technologically advanced world, competition is one of the biggest motivators for a company to do better. However, this competitive market can also bring in huge losses for companies. One such incident happened when the global outage of Facebook Inc. took place. Telegram, an instant messaging service like WhatsApp, gained nearly 70 million new users on Monday when the social media platforms of Facebook group. Also read | 'Deeply illogical': Zuckerberg hits out at Facebook whistleblower "The daily growth rate of Telegram exceeded the norm by an order of magnitude, and we welcomed over 70 million refugees from other platforms in one day," Telegram founder Pavel Durov wrote on his Telegram channel. He also thanked his team for pulling up extra weight during this increased work load, and apologised to existing users for any possible delays in the platforms. "I am proud of how our team handled the unprecedented growth because Telegram continued to work flawlessly for the vast majority of our users. That said, some users in the Americas may have experienced slower speed than usual as millions of users from these continents rushed to sign up for Telegram at the same time." This growth in the new users took place as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp failed to load and the platforms kept crashing for all users. WATCH | The global outage continued for nearly six hours and no explanation was provided by the platforms until later. These platforms, however, simply tweeted out apologies for the disruption of services. "We apologize to all those affected, and we're working to understand more about what happened today so we can continue to make our infrastructure more resilient," Facebook Vice President Infrastructure Santosh Janardhan said in a statement on Monday. However, the company has also assured that there has been no compromise in the user database privacy. The company said there is "no evidence that user data was compromised as a result of this downtime."

Telegram gains 70 million new users as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram crash

Anti-vaxxers and&nbsp;vaccine sceptics are rushing to get fake coronavirus jab certificates in Russia where&nbsp;inoculations have become&nbsp;mandatory.

Russians are finding dealers online hawking fake vaccine certificates and sending them their&nbsp;personal details over encrypted messenger Telegram and transferring&nbsp;15,000 rubles ($200 or 175 euros) as payment.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/health-experts-rattled-by-anti-vaxxers-anti-vaccination-protests-across-europe-300821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Later when they login to&nbsp;Russia's government services portal to find a certificate showing they&nbsp;have&nbsp;received both doses of the country's homegrown Sputnik V vaccine,&nbsp;without ever having been jabbed.

Russia&nbsp;last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective.&nbsp;

Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling.

That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database.

While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-anti-vaxxers-pose-biggest-challenge-to-vaccination-campaign-worldwide-347580">Why anti-vaxxers pose biggest challenge to vaccination campaign worldwide</a>

Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available.&nbsp;A host of other Russian regions followed suit.

Restaurant-goers in Moscow will also need to show proof of vaccination or previous infection starting from June 28, and further restrictive measures are expected as authorities move from persuasion to coercion in a bid to get more Russians vaccinated.

Moscow authorities say the measures are working, with some 60,000 people per day, 10 times more than before, now signing up for vaccination appointments.&nbsp;

But one seller on a darknet forum, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that 20 to 30 orders for fake certificates were coming in daily.

"I'm getting asked to vaccinate whole companies," the seller boasted in an exchange on Telegram.

At the low end of the black market, Russians can get a paper booklet certifying they were vaccinated for 2,000 rubles ($28, 23 euros).

At the top end, for 30,000 rubles ($400, 350 euros) middlemen say they can get a medical worker to pour out vaccine doses and upload falsified medical records to the government portal.

'Jab down the drain'&nbsp;

That's hardly difficult to imagine, said Pavel Brand, the director of a chain of family clinics in Moscow, pointing to doubts among&nbsp;Russia's medical workers about vaccines.&nbsp;

This spring, a survey by the independent Levada Centre showed that 31 percent of Russian doctors did not trust Sputnik V and 23 percent did not plan to be inoculated against Covid.

Authorities are moving to crack down on the black market, with Moscow police opening two dozen criminal cases into "the manufacture and sale of fictitious certificates" and announcing three arrests this week.

The black market is just part of a much bigger problem that has seen only 16.2 million of&nbsp;Russia's 146 million people fully vaccinated -- deep-seated distrust in the country's vaccine-producing capabilities.

Alexei, a 47-year-old IT professional who purchased a certificate for a friend working in the service industry, said he and the friend are not anti-vaxxers.

"I would probably still prefer to be vaccinated, but with an imported vaccine," he said in an exchange on a darknet forum.

Brand said that sentiment stems from a broader belief that anything foreign-produced -- from an automobile to a vaccine -- is likely to be better.

Russia's bureaucratic medical apparatus has also made people adept at finding workarounds, he added, a legacy of a cumbersome Soviet system.&nbsp;

The black market is only one way to get around vaccinating, and there are other "much simpler" methods, said Brand. &nbsp;

"People just go to the clinic and give a certain nurse money" to dispose of vaccine doses and make a false registration, he said.&nbsp;

The method,&nbsp;so widespread in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that it is known as "jab down the drain", has been used for years by nurses with mothers hesitant to vaccinate their children, Brand said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Anti-vaxxers and vaccine sceptics are rushing to get fake coronavirus jab certificates in Russia where inoculations have become mandatory. Russians are finding dealers online hawking fake vaccine certificates and sending them their personal details over encrypted messenger Telegram and transferring 15,000 rubles ($200 or 175 euros) as payment.

Anti-vaxxers and vaccine sceptics are rushing to get fake coronavirus jab certificates in Russia where inoculations have become mandatory. Russians are finding dealers online hawking fake vaccine certificates and sending them their personal details over encrypted messenger Telegram and transferring 15,000 rubles ($200 or 175 euros) as payment. Later when they login to Russia's government services portal to find a certificate showing they have received both doses of the country's homegrown Sputnik V vaccine, without ever having been jabbed. Russia last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective. Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling. That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database. While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned. Also read| Why anti-vaxxers pose biggest challenge to vaccination campaign worldwide Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available. A host of other Russian regions followed suit. Restaurant-goers in Moscow will also need to show proof of vaccination or previous infection starting from June 28, and further restrictive measures are expected as authorities move from persuasion to coercion in a bid to get more Russians vaccinated. Moscow authorities say the measures are working, with some 60,000 people per day, 10 times more than before, now signing up for vaccination appointments. But one seller on a darknet forum, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that 20 to 30 orders for fake certificates were coming in daily. "I'm getting asked to vaccinate whole companies," the seller boasted in an exchange on Telegram. At the low end of the black market, Russians can get a paper booklet certifying they were vaccinated for 2,000 rubles ($28, 23 euros). At the top end, for 30,000 rubles ($400, 350 euros) middlemen say they can get a medical worker to pour out vaccine doses and upload falsified medical records to the government portal. 'Jab down the drain' That's hardly difficult to imagine, said Pavel Brand, the director of a chain of family clinics in Moscow, pointing to doubts among Russia's medical workers about vaccines. This spring, a survey by the independent Levada Centre showed that 31 percent of Russian doctors did not trust Sputnik V and 23 percent did not plan to be inoculated against Covid. Authorities are moving to crack down on the black market, with Moscow police opening two dozen criminal cases into "the manufacture and sale of fictitious certificates" and announcing three arrests this week. The black market is just part of a much bigger problem that has seen only 16.2 million of Russia's 146 million people fully vaccinated -- deep-seated distrust in the country's vaccine-producing capabilities. Alexei, a 47-year-old IT professional who purchased a certificate for a friend working in the service industry, said he and the friend are not anti-vaxxers. "I would probably still prefer to be vaccinated, but with an imported vaccine," he said in an exchange on a darknet forum. Brand said that sentiment stems from a broader belief that anything foreign-produced -- from an automobile to a vaccine -- is likely to be better. Russia's bureaucratic medical apparatus has also made people adept at finding workarounds, he added, a legacy of a cumbersome Soviet system. The black market is only one way to get around vaccinating, and there are other "much simpler" methods, said Brand. "People just go to the clinic and give a certain nurse money" to dispose of vaccine doses and make a false registration, he said. The method, so widespread in Russia that it is known as "jab down the drain", has been used for years by nurses with mothers hesitant to vaccinate their children, Brand said. (With inputs from agencies)

Why anti-vaxxers are rushing to buy fake COVID-19 jab certificates in Russia

Indian users have expressed concern over the planned updates in the privacy policy of WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook. The deadline for the update and policy implementation has gone, yet the question&nbsp;remains: “What is a good WhatsApp alternative?”

Netizens are posing this question after WhatsApp revised its privacy conditions on January 6, reserving the ability to share user data, including location and phone number, with its partners.

There is a variety of social messaging apps to choose from, such as Google Hangouts, Google Chats, Telegram and Signal.&nbsp;

Telegram and Signal are the two most popular solutions that many people are considering, with online searches for them on the rise in the past few days.&nbsp;

Here is what you should know about the top three alternatives of Whatsapp:&nbsp;

Telegram:&nbsp;

Telegram began as a messaging application in 2013, but the platform has evolved significantly since then. There are currently a variety of functions and channels available in the app. Telegram is gaining a large number of new users, who can send up to 1.5GB of files.&nbsp;They can add up to 200,000 users in a group. &nbsp;It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Windows NT, macOS and Linux-based operating systems.

Signal

Signal is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The Signal Private Messenger app, unlike WhatsApp, is also accessible on the iPad. Users can download it on Windows, Linux and Mac, much like WhatsApp.

Signal has seen a jump in worldwide downloads in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has also advised people to "use Signal." Thanks to his recommendation, Signal has surpassed WhatsApp as the most popular free app on the App Store in India, Germany, France, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong and Switzerland.&nbsp;

Viber

Users of Viber, which is nearly as old as WhatsApp,&nbsp;will get unlimited calls, unlimited texting, and high-quality video chat.

Viber Messenger's group video call function now accommodates even more people.&nbsp;

However, the shift isn't limited to mobile. Viber now allows up to 30 people to participate in a single video conversation, regardless of the platform they are using.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian users have expressed concern over the planned updates in the privacy policy of WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook. The deadline for the update and policy implementation has gone, yet the question remains: “What is a good WhatsApp alternative?

Indian users have expressed concern over the planned updates in the privacy policy of WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook. The deadline for the update and policy implementation has gone, yet the question remains: “What is a good WhatsApp alternative?” Netizens are posing this question after WhatsApp revised its privacy conditions on January 6, reserving the ability to share user data, including location and phone number, with its partners. There is a variety of social messaging apps to choose from, such as Google Hangouts, Google Chats, Telegram and Signal. Telegram and Signal are the two most popular solutions that many people are considering, with online searches for them on the rise in the past few days. Here is what you should know about the top three alternatives of Whatsapp: Telegram: Telegram began as a messaging application in 2013, but the platform has evolved significantly since then. There are currently a variety of functions and channels available in the app. Telegram is gaining a large number of new users, who can send up to 1.5GB of files. They can add up to 200,000 users in a group. It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Windows NT, macOS and Linux-based operating systems. Signal Signal is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The Signal Private Messenger app, unlike WhatsApp, is also accessible on the iPad. Users can download it on Windows, Linux and Mac, much like WhatsApp. Signal has seen a jump in worldwide downloads in recent weeks. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has also advised people to "use Signal." Thanks to his recommendation, Signal has surpassed WhatsApp as the most popular free app on the App Store in India, Germany, France, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong and Switzerland. Viber Users of Viber, which is nearly as old as WhatsApp, will get unlimited calls, unlimited texting, and high-quality video chat. Viber Messenger's group video call function now accommodates even more people. However, the shift isn't limited to mobile. Viber now allows up to 30 people to participate in a single video conversation, regardless of the platform they are using. (With inputs from agencies)

Considering leaving WhatsApp? Here are a few apps that can be used as substitutes

Seven&nbsp;social media platforms have complied with some of the rules under the new IT rules that came into effect earlier this week.&nbsp;

Koo, Sharechat, Telegram, LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, WhatsApp&nbsp;have shared the list of&nbsp;their Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person, and Grievance Officer as envisaged under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 with India's&nbsp;Information Technology(IT)&nbsp;ministry. IT ministry is the main nodal ministry that deals with the matter.&nbsp;

The rules were notified in February and three-month time period was given to social media platforms to implement them. Other key issues like traceability remain, that is the first origin of any message, the details of which have to be shared with the authorities under the new rules.

Whatsapp has gone to the Delhi High Court over that rule, saying that it will mean a breach of the fundamental right to privacy and violates its end-to-end encryption. The Indian government has dismissed that saying no fundamental right is absolute and the rules are "reasonable restrictions"&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Twitter is yet to follow the rule and told the Indian government that it is nominating a lawyer as its&nbsp;Nodal Contact Person and Grievance Officer. According to the rules, the officers should be&nbsp;employees of the company and residents in India. Interestingly, Twitter sent the communication to the Indian govt late last night, a day which saw the Indian govt slamming twitter over non-implementation of new IT rules.&nbsp;

The Indian govt statement said, "Twitter needs to stop beating around the bush and comply with the laws of the land" and reminded it that". The statement added, "&nbsp;Law making and policy formulations is the sole prerogative of the sovereign and Twitter is just a social media platform and it has no locus in dictating what India’s legal policy framework should be."

Also, Twitter is yet to send out the&nbsp;details of the Chief Compliance Officer to the government as mentioned in the IT rules.&nbsp;

Seven social media platforms have complied with some of the rules under the new IT rules that came into effect earlier this week. Koo, Sharechat, Telegram, LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, WhatsApp have shared the list of their Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person, and Grievance Officer as envisaged under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 with India's Information Technology(IT) ministry.

Seven social media platforms have complied with some of the rules under the new IT rules that came into effect earlier this week. Koo, Sharechat, Telegram, LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, WhatsApp have shared the list of their Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person, and Grievance Officer as envisaged under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 with India's Information Technology(IT) ministry. IT ministry is the main nodal ministry that deals with the matter. The rules were notified in February and three-month time period was given to social media platforms to implement them. Other key issues like traceability remain, that is the first origin of any message, the details of which have to be shared with the authorities under the new rules. Whatsapp has gone to the Delhi High Court over that rule, saying that it will mean a breach of the fundamental right to privacy and violates its end-to-end encryption. The Indian government has dismissed that saying no fundamental right is absolute and the rules are "reasonable restrictions" Meanwhile, Twitter is yet to follow the rule and told the Indian government that it is nominating a lawyer as its Nodal Contact Person and Grievance Officer. According to the rules, the officers should be employees of the company and residents in India. Interestingly, Twitter sent the communication to the Indian govt late last night, a day which saw the Indian govt slamming twitter over non-implementation of new IT rules. The Indian govt statement said, "Twitter needs to stop beating around the bush and comply with the laws of the land" and reminded it that". The statement added, " Law making and policy formulations is the sole prerogative of the sovereign and Twitter is just a social media platform and it has no locus in dictating what India’s legal policy framework should be." Also, Twitter is yet to send out the details of the Chief Compliance Officer to the government as mentioned in the IT rules.

Seven social media platforms comply with some IT rules; Twitter drags feet

Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Investment Co and Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, part-owned by Mubadala, said on Tuesday they had invested a combined $150 million in messaging app Telegram.

Mubadala invested $75 million in five-year, pre-initial public offering (IPO) bonds of Telegram, while Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners invested a further $75 million.

"Telegram's user base has reached a critical mass that places it amongst global tech giants," Mubadala executive Faris Sohail Faris al-Mazrui said in a statement.

"Telegram is well-positioned for an inflexion point that will transform it into a leading global technology company."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/final-nail-in-coffin-telegram-again-trolls-whatsapp-over-new-privacy-update-356104">Final nail in coffin: Telegram again trolls Whatsapp over new privacy update</a>

Telegram, already headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, will open an office in Abu Dhabi following the new investment, Mubadala said.

Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners is a Mubadala joint venture with U.S. investment company Falcon Edge Capital.

Mubadala, which manages more than $230 billion in assets, is UAE's second-biggest state investor after Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Both have invested in technology, with Mubadala contributing $15 billion to SoftBank's $100 billion Vision Fund in 2017.

Mubadala last year bought a 1.85 per cent&nbsp;stake in Reliance Industries' digital unit, Jio Platforms, for $1.2 billion.

Tapping&nbsp;Telegram

Telegram, along with messaging app Signal, have seen an increase in users this year amid privacy concerns with larger rival Facebook-owned WhatsApp.

The encrypted messaging app's&nbsp;Russia-born founder Pavel Durov&nbsp;said on his&nbsp;Telegram&nbsp;channel Tuesday that the app had over 500 million monthly active users in the first weeks of January.

Telegram&nbsp;is a popular social media platform in a number of countries, particularly in the former Soviet Union and Iran, and is used both for private communications and sharing information and news.

Durov said&nbsp;Telegram&nbsp;has become a "refuge" for those seeking a private and secure communications platform and assured new users that his team "takes this responsibility very seriously."

Telegram&nbsp;was founded in 2013 by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, who also founded Russia's social media network VKontakte.

&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Investment Co and Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, part-owned by Mubadala, said on Tuesday they had invested a combined $150 million in messaging app Telegram.

Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Investment Co and Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, part-owned by Mubadala, said on Tuesday they had invested a combined $150 million in messaging app Telegram. Mubadala invested $75 million in five-year, pre-initial public offering (IPO) bonds of Telegram, while Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners invested a further $75 million. "Telegram's user base has reached a critical mass that places it amongst global tech giants," Mubadala executive Faris Sohail Faris al-Mazrui said in a statement. "Telegram is well-positioned for an inflexion point that will transform it into a leading global technology company." Also read| Final nail in coffin: Telegram again trolls Whatsapp over new privacy update Telegram, already headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, will open an office in Abu Dhabi following the new investment, Mubadala said. Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners is a Mubadala joint venture with U.S. investment company Falcon Edge Capital. Mubadala, which manages more than $230 billion in assets, is UAE's second-biggest state investor after Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Both have invested in technology, with Mubadala contributing $15 billion to SoftBank's $100 billion Vision Fund in 2017. Mubadala last year bought a 1.85 per cent stake in Reliance Industries' digital unit, Jio Platforms, for $1.2 billion. Tapping Telegram Telegram, along with messaging app Signal, have seen an increase in users this year amid privacy concerns with larger rival Facebook-owned WhatsApp. The encrypted messaging app's Russia-born founder Pavel Durov said on his Telegram channel Tuesday that the app had over 500 million monthly active users in the first weeks of January. Telegram is a popular social media platform in a number of countries, particularly in the former Soviet Union and Iran, and is used both for private communications and sharing information and news. Durov said Telegram has become a "refuge" for those seeking a private and secure communications platform and assured new users that his team "takes this responsibility very seriously." Telegram was founded in 2013 by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, who also founded Russia's social media network VKontakte.

Abu Dhabi state fund invests $150 million in Telegram messaging app

Russian authorities are suing five social media platforms for allegedly failing to delete posts urging children to take part in illegal protests, the Interfax news agency cited a Moscow court as saying on Tuesday.

Twitter, Google, Facebook each have three cases against them, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to 4 million roubles (around $54,000), and cases have also been filed against Tiktok and Telegram, the report said.

The cases were opened after protests nationwide over last month's jailing of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin.

Navalny and his supporters say his 30-month sentence, for alleged parole violations related to an embezzlement case, was trumped up for political reasons, something the authorities deny.

Google declined to comment on the Interfax report. Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The cases against Google, Facebook and Twitter will be heard on April 2, the agency said.

Russian authorities are suing five social media platforms for allegedly failing to delete posts urging children to take part in illegal protests, the Interfax news agency cited a Moscow court as saying on Tuesday.

Russian authorities are suing five social media platforms for allegedly failing to delete posts urging children to take part in illegal protests, the Interfax news agency cited a Moscow court as saying on Tuesday. Twitter, Google, Facebook each have three cases against them, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to 4 million roubles (around $54,000), and cases have also been filed against Tiktok and Telegram, the report said. The cases were opened after protests nationwide over last month's jailing of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin. Navalny and his supporters say his 30-month sentence, for alleged parole violations related to an embezzlement case, was trumped up for political reasons, something the authorities deny. Google declined to comment on the Interfax report. Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The cases against Google, Facebook and Twitter will be heard on April 2, the agency said.

Russia sues Google, Facebook, Twitter for not deleting protest content: Report

A few weeks ago, WhatsApp announced that it would update its terms of service. The updated terms required users to agree to share their data with Facebook.&nbsp;

This notification forced millions of WhatsApp users to adopt alternative services such as Signal and Telegram.

India is the largest user base of WhatsApp, a Facebook company and yet there is a mass movement in India right now to migrate from WhatsApp to Telegram, sparked by concerns of privacy.&nbsp;

Not just Telegram but another encrypted messaging app Signal has seen a surge in new sign ins after Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk vouched for it.

WhatsApp's new Terms of Service and privacy policy will come into effect on February 8.

Millions of people are outraged by the latest change in WhatsApp Terms, which now say users must feed all their private data to Facebook's ad engine.

To recall, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in October said that the company is working hard to merge Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp so that they can start to function a little bit more like one connected interoperable system.

In a bid to allow cross-messaging among its family of apps, Facebook has reportedly started merging Instagram and Messenger chats. The social network has already integrated Messenger rooms with WhatsApp on the Web.

(With inputs from agencies)

A few weeks ago, WhatsApp announced that it would update its terms of service. The updated terms required users to agree to share their data with Facebook. This notification forced millions of WhatsApp users to adopt alternative services such as Signal and Telegram.

A few weeks ago, WhatsApp announced that it would update its terms of service. The updated terms required users to agree to share their data with Facebook. This notification forced millions of WhatsApp users to adopt alternative services such as Signal and Telegram. India is the largest user base of WhatsApp, a Facebook company and yet there is a mass movement in India right now to migrate from WhatsApp to Telegram, sparked by concerns of privacy. Not just Telegram but another encrypted messaging app Signal has seen a surge in new sign ins after Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk vouched for it. WhatsApp's new Terms of Service and privacy policy will come into effect on February 8. Millions of people are outraged by the latest change in WhatsApp Terms, which now say users must feed all their private data to Facebook's ad engine. To recall, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in October said that the company is working hard to merge Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp so that they can start to function a little bit more like one connected interoperable system. In a bid to allow cross-messaging among its family of apps, Facebook has reportedly started merging Instagram and Messenger chats. The social network has already integrated Messenger rooms with WhatsApp on the Web. (With inputs from agencies)

Millions of users move away from WhatsApp after terms of service update

Messaging application Telegram recently cracked down on public calls for violence in the United States. The application’s founder Pavel Durov claimed that the service took down the calls keeping in mind the company’s terms of service.

On Monday, Telegram put out a public post in which its founder reiterated the company’s commitment to banning hate speech.

“Telegram welcomes peaceful debate and protest, but our Terms of Service explicitly prohibit distributing public calls to violence,” he wrote in the public post. 
 
&nbsp;“Сivil movements all over the world rely on Telegram in order to stand up for human rights without resorting to inflicting harm”, the post added. 
 
Over time, Telegram has cracked down on threats of violence and terrorism in public spaces, but has largely remained against making these conversations available to law enforcement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/final-nail-in-coffin-telegram-again-trolls-whatsapp-over-new-privacy-update-356104" hreflang="en">Final nail in coffin: Telegram again trolls Whatsapp over new privacy update</a>

In the aftermath of the violence which shook US Capitol on January 6, debates surrounding the value of chat encryption have popped up. Many critics feel that wearing privacy protections is the only way to encrypt chat services. 
 
Durov added that Telegram had witnessed an increase in violent threats, as reported by other services over the last month.

“In early January, the Telegram moderation team started to receive an increased number of reports about US-related public activity on our platform,” the post said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thailand-authorities-restrict-telegram-app-over-protests-336444" hreflang="en">Thailand authorities restrict Telegram app over protests</a> 
 
It added that the team had acted by “clamping down on US channels that advocated violence”.

“Thanks to these efforts, last week our moderators blocked and shut down hundreds of public calls for violence that could’ve otherwise reached tens of thousands of subscribers”, it added.

Messaging application Telegram recently cracked down on public calls for violence in the United States. The application’s founder Pavel Durov claimed that the service took down the calls keeping in mind the company’s terms of service.

Messaging application Telegram recently cracked down on public calls for violence in the United States. The application’s founder Pavel Durov claimed that the service took down the calls keeping in mind the company’s terms of service. On Monday, Telegram put out a public post in which its founder reiterated the company’s commitment to banning hate speech. “Telegram welcomes peaceful debate and protest, but our Terms of Service explicitly prohibit distributing public calls to violence,” he wrote in the public post. “Сivil movements all over the world rely on Telegram in order to stand up for human rights without resorting to inflicting harm”, the post added. Over time, Telegram has cracked down on threats of violence and terrorism in public spaces, but has largely remained against making these conversations available to law enforcement. Also read: Final nail in coffin: Telegram again trolls Whatsapp over new privacy update In the aftermath of the violence which shook US Capitol on January 6, debates surrounding the value of chat encryption have popped up. Many critics feel that wearing privacy protections is the only way to encrypt chat services. Durov added that Telegram had witnessed an increase in violent threats, as reported by other services over the last month. “In early January, the Telegram moderation team started to receive an increased number of reports about US-related public activity on our platform,” the post said. Also read: Thailand authorities restrict Telegram app over protests It added that the team had acted by “clamping down on US channels that advocated violence”. “Thanks to these efforts, last week our moderators blocked and shut down hundreds of public calls for violence that could’ve otherwise reached tens of thousands of subscribers”, it added.

Telegram claims to have 'shut down hundreds of calls for violence' last week in US

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users.

"We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook"

These words were put by WhatsApp on its status.

The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones.

However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">delaying implementation of its policy</a>.

The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach.

Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches</a>

After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users. "We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook" These words were put by WhatsApp on its status. The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones. However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was delaying implementation of its policy. The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach. Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer. Also Read | WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

Whatsapp reaches out to users via status, says it values privacy

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes.

"We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post.

The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15."

There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/india-leading-signals-growth-following-whatsapp-user-data-row-claims-coo-356715">India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO</a>

New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week.

The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network.

"We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post.

"We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook."

Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp.

"We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post.

(With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets.

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes. "We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post. The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15." There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower Also Read | India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week. The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network. "We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post. "We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook." Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp. "We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post. (With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches

The encrypted messaging app Telegram has registered 25million new users in just 72 hours. On Tuesday, Telegram announced that it had surpassed 500mn active users.

Telegram surpasses 500mn users after Whatsapp's privacy changes

Facebook's popular messaging app Whatsapp has faced backlash over its new privacy updates that allows Facebook to collect Whatsapp's user data.

The concerns were raised as the deadline to accept the new privacy policy is February 8 otherwise access to encrypted voice and video calls will be cut off.&nbsp;

And this led to several users switching to Signal and Telegram over their safety feature and now in a recent post Telegram has trolled Whatsapp over its new privacy update.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-asks-people-to-use-signal-app-instead-of-whatsapp-and-facebook-over-privacy-issues-355704">Elon Musk asks people to use Signal app instead of WhatsApp and Facebook over privacy issues</a>

In a GIF shared on Twitter, a group of people are carrying a coffin which consists of a screengrab of Whatsapp's privacy agreement.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/6eGm2emsYx">pic.twitter.com/6eGm2emsYx</a>
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) <a href="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/1348266599216795648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The post was 'liked' by 253,000 people and was retweeted by about 80,000 people.&nbsp;

A few days ago Telegram shared another post which took a dig at Whatsapp in which both Facebook and Whatsapp are dressed as popular comic character Spiderman.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://t.co/ARzNTrekvQ">pic.twitter.com/ARzNTrekvQ</a>
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) <a href="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/1347522247616045056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the move by Whatsapp has also led to a drop of 11 per cent in the installs in the first seven days of 2021 compared with the last week, Sensor Tower said.

Signal's popularity also rose up further on Thursday after it was backed by Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk over privacy concerns.

Facebook's popular messaging app Whatsapp has faced backlash over its new privacy updates that allows Facebook to collect Whatsapp's user data. The concerns were raised as the deadline to accept the new privacy policy is February 8 otherwise access to encrypted voice and video calls will be cut off.

Facebook's popular messaging app Whatsapp has faced backlash over its new privacy updates that allows Facebook to collect Whatsapp's user data. The concerns were raised as the deadline to accept the new privacy policy is February 8 otherwise access to encrypted voice and video calls will be cut off. And this led to several users switching to Signal and Telegram over their safety feature and now in a recent post Telegram has trolled Whatsapp over its new privacy update. Also read | Elon Musk asks people to use Signal app instead of WhatsApp and Facebook over privacy issues In a GIF shared on Twitter, a group of people are carrying a coffin which consists of a screengrab of Whatsapp's privacy agreement. pic.twitter.com/6eGm2emsYx — Telegram Messenger (@telegram) January 10, 2021 × The post was 'liked' by 253,000 people and was retweeted by about 80,000 people. A few days ago Telegram shared another post which took a dig at Whatsapp in which both Facebook and Whatsapp are dressed as popular comic character Spiderman. pic.twitter.com/ARzNTrekvQ — Telegram Messenger (@telegram) January 8, 2021 × Meanwhile, the move by Whatsapp has also led to a drop of 11 per cent in the installs in the first seven days of 2021 compared with the last week, Sensor Tower said. Signal's popularity also rose up further on Thursday after it was backed by Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk over privacy concerns.

Final nail in coffin: Telegram again trolls Whatsapp over new privacy update

Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, will allow users to cloak their telephone numbers to safeguard <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/million-march-huge-hong-kong-protest-against-china-extradition-law-225733">Hong Kong protesters against </a>monitoring by authorities, according to a person with direct knowledge of the effort.

The update to Telegram, planned for release over the next few days, will allow protesters to prevent mainland Chinese and Hong Kong authorities from discovering their identities in the app's large group chats.

Hong Kong's Security Bureau told Reuters it has "been acting responsibly to deal with the current difficult time with a view to restoring the public order".&nbsp;

It declined to comment about whether it had tried to identify protesters by using the Telegram app.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-violated-one-country-two-systems-bottom-line-china-foreign-ministry-237656">China’s Foreign Ministry</a>, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of business hours.

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters take their cues from more than 100 groups on Telegram, according to protest organisers and supporters.

Protesters use encrypted apps like Telegram to mobilize swiftly through multiple group chats, with less risk of police infiltration, an in-depth report published by Reuters earlier this month said.

The groups are used to post everything from news on upcoming protests to tips on dousing tear gas canisters fired by the police to the identities of suspected undercover police and the access codes to buildings in Hong Kong where protesters can hide.

Some protesters expressed concern that authorities could use the movement's reliance on Telegram to monitor and arrest organisers.&nbsp;

Telegram chat groups used to organise public protests are often accessible to anyone and participants use pseudonyms.

Telegram allows users to search for other users by uploading phone numbers.&nbsp;

This function allows a new user to quickly learn whether those in a phone's contact book are already using the app, the group said.

Some protesters say they believe Chinese or Hong Kong security officials have exploited the function by uploading large quantities of phone numbers.&nbsp;

Reuters was unable to determine if this has occurred.

The app automatically matches phone numbers with the user names in the group. Authorities then only need to request the owners of the phone numbers from the local telecom service to learn the users' true identities.

Telegram has detected evidence that Hong Kong or mainland Chinese authorities may have uploaded numbers to identify protesters, said the person with direct knowledge of the situation.&nbsp;

But it is unclear whether authorities have successfully used this tactic to locate protesters.

Telegram did not respond to a request for comment.

A group of Hong Kong engineers who posted their findings on an online forum earlier this month also said that a feature in Telegram's design may have allowed mainland Chinese orHong Kong authorities to learn the real identities of users.

The fix Telegram is working on would allow users to disable matching by phone number.

&nbsp;That option represents a balance between making it easy for users to find their contacts and the privacy needs of those who rely on the app for protection against state security agents, the source said.

But wide adoption of the optional security setting would make the app far harder to use for the vast majority of its more than 200 million consumers, who rely on uploading phone contacts to identify friends and family members on the app, the source said.

In June, Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov said the messaging service experienced a “state actor-sized” cyber attack and pointed to China as its likely country of origin.

He provided no further details but said the attack coincided with protests in Hong Kong. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) did not respond to a faxed request for comment at the time.

The move by Telegram comes as Hong Kong police arrested a number of prominent activists and three lawmakers on Friday. Nearly 900 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began three months ago.

Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, will allow users to cloak their telephone numbers to safeguard Hong Kong protesters against monitoring by authorities, according to a person with direct knowledge of the effort.

Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, will allow users to cloak their telephone numbers to safeguard Hong Kong protesters against monitoring by authorities, according to a person with direct knowledge of the effort. The update to Telegram, planned for release over the next few days, will allow protesters to prevent mainland Chinese and Hong Kong authorities from discovering their identities in the app's large group chats. Hong Kong's Security Bureau told Reuters it has "been acting responsibly to deal with the current difficult time with a view to restoring the public order". It declined to comment about whether it had tried to identify protesters by using the Telegram app. China’s Foreign Ministry, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of business hours. Thousands of Hong Kong protesters take their cues from more than 100 groups on Telegram, according to protest organisers and supporters. Protesters use encrypted apps like Telegram to mobilize swiftly through multiple group chats, with less risk of police infiltration, an in-depth report published by Reuters earlier this month said. The groups are used to post everything from news on upcoming protests to tips on dousing tear gas canisters fired by the police to the identities of suspected undercover police and the access codes to buildings in Hong Kong where protesters can hide. Some protesters expressed concern that authorities could use the movement's reliance on Telegram to monitor and arrest organisers. Telegram chat groups used to organise public protests are often accessible to anyone and participants use pseudonyms. Telegram allows users to search for other users by uploading phone numbers. This function allows a new user to quickly learn whether those in a phone's contact book are already using the app, the group said. Some protesters say they believe Chinese or Hong Kong security officials have exploited the function by uploading large quantities of phone numbers. Reuters was unable to determine if this has occurred. The app automatically matches phone numbers with the user names in the group. Authorities then only need to request the owners of the phone numbers from the local telecom service to learn the users' true identities. Telegram has detected evidence that Hong Kong or mainland Chinese authorities may have uploaded numbers to identify protesters, said the person with direct knowledge of the situation. But it is unclear whether authorities have successfully used this tactic to locate protesters. Telegram did not respond to a request for comment. A group of Hong Kong engineers who posted their findings on an online forum earlier this month also said that a feature in Telegram's design may have allowed mainland Chinese orHong Kong authorities to learn the real identities of users. The fix Telegram is working on would allow users to disable matching by phone number. That option represents a balance between making it easy for users to find their contacts and the privacy needs of those who rely on the app for protection against state security agents, the source said. But wide adoption of the optional security setting would make the app far harder to use for the vast majority of its more than 200 million consumers, who rely on uploading phone contacts to identify friends and family members on the app, the source said. In June, Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov said the messaging service experienced a “state actor-sized” cyber attack and pointed to China as its likely country of origin. He provided no further details but said the attack coincided with protests in Hong Kong. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) did not respond to a faxed request for comment at the time. The move by Telegram comes as Hong Kong police arrested a number of prominent activists and three lawmakers on Friday. Nearly 900 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began three months ago.

Messaging app Telegram moves to protect the identity of Hong Kong protester

Violence Erupts In Hong Kong: China Backs The Hong Kong Government, Calls Protests 'Riots'. After Government's Decision To Pass The Controversial Extradition Bill, Hong Kong Is Facing Persistent Protests And Violence. A Million Protesters Are On The Roads. But China Backs The Hong Kong Government, Arrests Workers Of The Popular Messaging App Telegram. What's The Situation On The Ground In Hong Kong? And What's The Reason For China's Stance?

Gravitas: Violence erupts in Hong Kong again: Protests put China on the defensive

The chief executive of Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, said on Wednesday the messaging service experienced a "state actor-sized" cyber attack and pointed to China as its likely country of origin.

The service was hit by a "powerful DDoS attack" originating from IP addresses mostly inside China, Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, said in a tweet.

The attack coincided with protests in Hong Kong, he added.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks involve sending large numbers of requests in a targeted attack, causing partial or full service interruptions.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters have marched in Hong Kong this week in opposition to a controversial law that would allow people in the city to be extradited to China.

Chinese state media have sharply condemned the protests, which they say is motivated by outside forces and undermines social stability in Hong Kong.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), which oversees the country's cyber policy, did not respond immediately to a faxed request for comment.

Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said he was not aware of the situation when asked about Durov's accusation during a daily briefing on Thursday.

Telegram and other encrypted messaging apps are popular tools for protesters globally, who use them to coordinate without tipping off authorities.

Durov added that historical attacks of the same size had coincided with protests in Hong Kong, adding, "This case was not an exception."

Other apps have faced blocks in China as well during political movements in Hong Kong. In 2014, at the height of the city's Umbrella Movement, Beijing cut access to photo-sharing app Instagram inside the mainland.

Chinese officials have previously denied allegations of cyber attacks, pointing out that China is a frequently a victim of outside attacks.

The chief executive of Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, said on Wednesday the messaging service experienced a "state actor-sized" cyber attack and pointed to China as its likely country of origin.

The chief executive of Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, said on Wednesday the messaging service experienced a "state actor-sized" cyber attack and pointed to China as its likely country of origin. The service was hit by a "powerful DDoS attack" originating from IP addresses mostly inside China, Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, said in a tweet. The attack coincided with protests in Hong Kong, he added. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks involve sending large numbers of requests in a targeted attack, causing partial or full service interruptions. Hundreds of thousands of protesters have marched in Hong Kong this week in opposition to a controversial law that would allow people in the city to be extradited to China. Chinese state media have sharply condemned the protests, which they say is motivated by outside forces and undermines social stability in Hong Kong. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), which oversees the country's cyber policy, did not respond immediately to a faxed request for comment. Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said he was not aware of the situation when asked about Durov's accusation during a daily briefing on Thursday. Telegram and other encrypted messaging apps are popular tools for protesters globally, who use them to coordinate without tipping off authorities. Durov added that historical attacks of the same size had coincided with protests in Hong Kong, adding, "This case was not an exception." Other apps have faced blocks in China as well during political movements in Hong Kong. In 2014, at the height of the city's Umbrella Movement, Beijing cut access to photo-sharing app Instagram inside the mainland. Chinese officials have previously denied allegations of cyber attacks, pointing out that China is a frequently a victim of outside attacks.

Messaging service Telegram CEO points to China as likely origin of cyber attack

Popular dating app Tinder is now required to share users' data with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-people-missing-after-blasts-at-russian-military-plant-22-injured-223432">Russian security services</a> after being placed on an official register, the country's telecoms watchdog said Monday.

Tinder has over 50 million users swiping right to select dating profiles and find a match. It is part of the US-based Match Group of social apps whose parent firm is InterActiveCorp.&nbsp;

The Roskomnadzor watchdog said that Tinder has been added to its register "after it presented the necessary information".

Roskomnadzor -- together with Russia's law enforcement authorities and security agencies including the feared FSB, the successor to the KGB -- keeps a register of so-called "organisers of information distribution".&nbsp;

The register lists 175 sites and services including Russia's biggest bank Sberbank and the country's popular social media network VK.

By law, the companies on the register must store user data in Russia for six months -- including the content of messages exchanged -- and hand over any of the information to law enforcement authorities if requested to do so.

If the company refuses to comply, the authorities can act to block sites, as was the case last year with the embattled Telegram messaging app, created by maverick Russian Internet guru Pavel Durov.

In a statement, a Tinder spokesperson said the company had "received a request to register with the Russian authorities, and, as of now, we have registered to be compliant".

"However, this registration in no way shares any user or personal data with any Russian regulatory bodies and we have not handed over any data to their government," the spokesperson added.

Some Russian internet users made fun of the move, warning that FSB officers will now have access to any steamy correspondence or unrequited pickup attempts.

Popular dating app Tinder is now required to share users' data with Russian security services after being placed on an official register, the country's telecoms watchdog said Monday.

Popular dating app Tinder is now required to share users' data with Russian security services after being placed on an official register, the country's telecoms watchdog said Monday. Tinder has over 50 million users swiping right to select dating profiles and find a match. It is part of the US-based Match Group of social apps whose parent firm is InterActiveCorp. The Roskomnadzor watchdog said that Tinder has been added to its register "after it presented the necessary information". Roskomnadzor -- together with Russia's law enforcement authorities and security agencies including the feared FSB, the successor to the KGB -- keeps a register of so-called "organisers of information distribution". The register lists 175 sites and services including Russia's biggest bank Sberbank and the country's popular social media network VK. By law, the companies on the register must store user data in Russia for six months -- including the content of messages exchanged -- and hand over any of the information to law enforcement authorities if requested to do so. If the company refuses to comply, the authorities can act to block sites, as was the case last year with the embattled Telegram messaging app, created by maverick Russian Internet guru Pavel Durov. In a statement, a Tinder spokesperson said the company had "received a request to register with the Russian authorities, and, as of now, we have registered to be compliant". "However, this registration in no way shares any user or personal data with any Russian regulatory bodies and we have not handed over any data to their government," the spokesperson added. Some Russian internet users made fun of the move, warning that FSB officers will now have access to any steamy correspondence or unrequited pickup attempts.

Russia requires Tinder to share users' data with security services

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday reacted to the ban on popular messaging application Telegram.

On Monday, Iran's internet service providers were asked by the judiciary to block access to the app.&nbsp;

The application was seen as a tool in instigating nationwide protests that sparked off in December and January. The application was temporarily blocked to curb the protests and demonstrations.&nbsp;

In an Instagram post shared on Friday night, Rouhani stated that the Iranian government did not block any social networking websites or messaging app and it won't any as well.&nbsp;

The application was seen as a tool in instigating nationwide protests that sparked off in December and January

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday reacted to the ban on popular messaging application Telegram. On Monday, Iran's internet service providers were asked by the judiciary to block access to the app. The application was seen as a tool in instigating nationwide protests that sparked off in December and January. The application was temporarily blocked to curb the protests and demonstrations. In an Instagram post shared on Friday night, Rouhani stated that the Iranian government did not block any social networking websites or messaging app and it won't any as well.

Iran: President Rouhani criticizes blocking of Telegram app

Iran's judiciary has banned the popular Telegram instant messaging app to protect national security, Iran's state TV reported on Monday.

"Considering various complaints against Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organisations for confronting the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran," TV reported.

The order was issued days after Iran banned government bodies from using Telegram, which is widely used by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians.

A widespread government Internet filter prevents Iranians from accessing many sites on the official grounds that they are offensive or criminal.

But many Iranians evade the filter through use of VPN software, which provides encrypted links directly to private networks based abroad, and can allow a computer to behave as if it is based in another country.

"The blocking of Telegram app should be in a way to prevent users from accessing it with VPN or any other software," Fars said. The app had over 40 million users in Iran.

The order was issued days after Iran banned government bodies from using Telegram, which is widely used by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians

Iran's judiciary has banned the popular Telegram instant messaging app to protect national security, Iran's state TV reported on Monday. "Considering various complaints against Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organisations for confronting the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran," TV reported. The order was issued days after Iran banned government bodies from using Telegram, which is widely used by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians. A widespread government Internet filter prevents Iranians from accessing many sites on the official grounds that they are offensive or criminal. But many Iranians evade the filter through use of VPN software, which provides encrypted links directly to private networks based abroad, and can allow a computer to behave as if it is based in another country. "The blocking of Telegram app should be in a way to prevent users from accessing it with VPN or any other software," Fars said. The app had over 40 million users in Iran.

Iran's judiciary bans use of Telegram app: State TV

The Iranian government blocked social media apps after protests intensified across the capital city and spread to areas like Qom -- 80kms away from Tehran.&nbsp;

At least two people have been killed during the protests which&nbsp;continued on the third. Numerous demonstrators have been arrested.&nbsp;

Iran&#39;s Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli&#39;s warned protestors stating that &quot;those who damage public property, violate law and order and create unrest are responsible for their actions and should pay the price.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-said-protesters-should-pay-a-high-price-if-they-break-the-law-28170" target="_blank">Despite the warning</a>, the protestors attacked a town hall in Tehran on Saturday.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/3-reportedly-killed-in-ongoing-protests-in-iran-government-blocks-internet-28144">government was reported to have banned internet access</a> on local devices and have nos restricted access to a couple of social media applications to curb protests.

Social media applications like Instagram and Telegram have been banned.

Telegram app was previously accused of being a tool in instigating violence during protests.

Telecom Minister Mohammad-Javad Azari called the app as &quot;counter-revolutionary&quot;, facilitating armed uprising and social unrest.&nbsp;

&quot;If the counter-revolutionaries want to use this atmosphere to create riots, naturally the Supreme National Security Council will take action,&quot; he told the state broadcaster.

&quot;Iranian authorities are blocking access to Telegram for the majority of Iranians after our public refusal to shut down [Sedaie Mardom] and other peacefully protesting channels,&quot; Azari tweeted, referring to one of the channels criticised by Iran.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov confirmed the blocking.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The government was reported to have banned internet access on local devices

The Iranian government blocked social media apps after protests intensified across the capital city and spread to areas like Qom -- 80kms away from Tehran. At least two people have been killed during the protests which continued on the third. Numerous demonstrators have been arrested. Iran's Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli's warned protestors stating that "those who damage public property, violate law and order and create unrest are responsible for their actions and should pay the price." Despite the warning, the protestors attacked a town hall in Tehran on Saturday. The government was reported to have banned internet access on local devices and have nos restricted access to a couple of social media applications to curb protests. Social media applications like Instagram and Telegram have been banned. Telegram app was previously accused of being a tool in instigating violence during protests. Telecom Minister Mohammad-Javad Azari called the app as "counter-revolutionary", facilitating armed uprising and social unrest. "If the counter-revolutionaries want to use this atmosphere to create riots, naturally the Supreme National Security Council will take action," he told the state broadcaster. "Iranian authorities are blocking access to Telegram for the majority of Iranians after our public refusal to shut down [Sedaie Mardom] and other peacefully protesting channels," Azari tweeted, referring to one of the channels criticised by Iran. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov confirmed the blocking. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran protests: Government temporarily restricts social media on mobiles

Afghanistan`s telecoms regulator wrote to internet service providers this week ordering them to block the messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram but it was not immediately clear whether they had complied.

Use of social media and mobile instant messaging services has exploded in Afghanistan over recent years. Social media users and civil rights groups reacted with outrage to initial reports of the move and the letter sent by telecoms regulator ATRA was widely shared on social media.

&nbsp;Some media reports, citing unidentified sources, said the move had been ordered by the National Directorate for Security to thwart the use of the encrypted messaging services by the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

It was not immediately possible to confirm the reports.

The acting minister for telecommunications, Shahzad Aryobee, posted a message on Facebook saying that the telecoms regulator had been ordered to put a gradual block on the services to improve their functioning after complaints had been received.

&quot;The government is committed to freedom of speech and knows that it is a basic civil right for our people,&quot; he wrote.

The letter by telecoms regulator ATRA, dated Nov. 1 and signed by an official of the regulator, directed internet companies to block Telegram and Facebook Inc`s WhatsApp services &quot;without delay&quot; for a period of 20 days.

However, the service worked normally this week and still appeared to be working normally on Saturday on both state-owned operator Salaam and private service providers.

On Friday, there were reports of interruptions but it was not clear whether they were caused by a deliberate shutdown or by the unrelated issues with WhatsApp services that were experienced in several countries.

Mobile phone services have been one of the big success stories in Afghanistan since the Taliban were ousted from power by a U.S.-led campaign in 2001, but there are also frequent complaints from users about quality and coverage.

WhatsApp and similar services, including Facebook Messenger and Viber, are widely used by Afghan politicians and members of the government as well as by the Taliban, which has a sophisticated social media operation of its own.

The movement`s main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, wrote to reporters this week giving his Viber number &quot;in case WhatsApp is not working&quot;.

Afghanistan`s telecoms regulator wrote to internet service providers this week ordering them to block the messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram but it was not immediately clear whether they had complied.

Afghanistan`s telecoms regulator wrote to internet service providers this week ordering them to block the messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram but it was not immediately clear whether they had complied. Use of social media and mobile instant messaging services has exploded in Afghanistan over recent years. Social media users and civil rights groups reacted with outrage to initial reports of the move and the letter sent by telecoms regulator ATRA was widely shared on social media. Some media reports, citing unidentified sources, said the move had been ordered by the National Directorate for Security to thwart the use of the encrypted messaging services by the Taliban and other insurgent groups. It was not immediately possible to confirm the reports. The acting minister for telecommunications, Shahzad Aryobee, posted a message on Facebook saying that the telecoms regulator had been ordered to put a gradual block on the services to improve their functioning after complaints had been received. "The government is committed to freedom of speech and knows that it is a basic civil right for our people," he wrote. The letter by telecoms regulator ATRA, dated Nov. 1 and signed by an official of the regulator, directed internet companies to block Telegram and Facebook Inc`s WhatsApp services "without delay" for a period of 20 days. However, the service worked normally this week and still appeared to be working normally on Saturday on both state-owned operator Salaam and private service providers. On Friday, there were reports of interruptions but it was not clear whether they were caused by a deliberate shutdown or by the unrelated issues with WhatsApp services that were experienced in several countries. Mobile phone services have been one of the big success stories in Afghanistan since the Taliban were ousted from power by a U.S.-led campaign in 2001, but there are also frequent complaints from users about quality and coverage. WhatsApp and similar services, including Facebook Messenger and Viber, are widely used by Afghan politicians and members of the government as well as by the Taliban, which has a sophisticated social media operation of its own. The movement`s main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, wrote to reporters this week giving his Viber number "in case WhatsApp is not working".

Afghanistan moves to block WhatsApp, Telegram messaging services

WhatsApp and Telegram patched flaws in their popular instant messaging applications after security researchers showed that they could seize control of user accounts.

<a href="http://blog.checkpoint.com/2017/03/15/check-point-discloses-vulnerability-whatsapp-telegram">Researchers with Check Point Software Technologies discovered</a> problems with the way the two apps process some types of files without verifying that they do not contain active code that could be malicious.

Flaws in popular instant messaging applications are less common than traditional desktop software. The apps are often used because of their heavy encryption, which has been criticised by some in laws enforcement.

They were able to send files to the web-based versions of the products with malicious code while making it seem to be something else, such as a picture.

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Check Point Software Technologies shows how hackers can break into WhatsApp and Telegram accounts. (Others)
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In WhatsApp&#39;s case, once opened by the recipient, the code allowed the researchers to get into the local storage of the user and then access the user&#39;s account. From there, they could have sent the same malicious attack to all of the users&#39; contacts.

Telegram&#39;s flaw was much more subtle and required &quot;very unusual&quot; behaviour by the victim, such as right-clicking on a video and opening a new tab, said spokesman Markus Ra.

There is no evidence that any similar attacks were actually used in the wild against either company&#39;s products, he said.

&quot;When Check Point reported the issue, we addressed it within a day and released an update of WhatsApp for web,&quot; said Anne Yeh, a spokeswoman for that Facebook unit.

&quot;To ensure that you are using the latest version, please restart your browser.&rdquo;

(Reuters)

Researchers with Check Point Software Technologies discovered severe vulnerabilities in both WhatsApp and Telegram

WhatsApp and Telegram patched flaws in their popular instant messaging applications after security researchers showed that they could seize control of user accounts. Researchers with Check Point Software Technologies discovered problems with the way the two apps process some types of files without verifying that they do not contain active code that could be malicious. Flaws in popular instant messaging applications are less common than traditional desktop software. The apps are often used because of their heavy encryption, which has been criticised by some in laws enforcement. They were able to send files to the web-based versions of the products with malicious code while making it seem to be something else, such as a picture. Check Point Software Technologies shows how hackers can break into WhatsApp and Telegram accounts. (Others) × In WhatsApp's case, once opened by the recipient, the code allowed the researchers to get into the local storage of the user and then access the user's account. From there, they could have sent the same malicious attack to all of the users' contacts. Telegram's flaw was much more subtle and required "very unusual" behaviour by the victim, such as right-clicking on a video and opening a new tab, said spokesman Markus Ra. There is no evidence that any similar attacks were actually used in the wild against either company's products, he said. "When Check Point reported the issue, we addressed it within a day and released an update of WhatsApp for web," said Anne Yeh, a spokeswoman for that Facebook unit. "To ensure that you are using the latest version, please restart your browser.” (Reuters)

WhatsApp, Telegram fix security flaws in instant messaging applications

French police arrested two young women from the city of Nice in mid-September for suspected ties to Islamist State militant Rachid Kassim, the Paris prosecutors&#39; office said on Sunday. 
 
Aged 17 and 19, the teenagers used the Telegram encrypted messaging system to communicate with Kassim, who is suspected of having participated in several attacks or attempted attacks in France, a spokesman said, confirming an earlier report by newspaper Le Parisien. 
 
&quot;They were incited to commit an attack on specific targets in retaliation for the recent death of the Islamic State&#39;s spokesman (Abu Muhammad al-Adnani),&quot; a source close to the investigation told Le Parisien. 
 
The two teenagers admitted considering the attack, before abandoning the idea, the daily reported. 
 
At least four other teenagers, all suspected of having plotted to kill in the name of the Islamic State, were arrested in about 10 days in early September by the General Directorate for Internal Security, a French intelligence agency, which spotted the suspects on social networks. 
 
All were in contact via Telegram with Kassim, who is currently located in the Syrian-Iraqi region, according to police and judicial sources. 
 
(Reuters)

The young women used the Telegram app to communicate with Kassim who is suspected of having participated in several attacks against France

French police arrested two young women from the city of Nice in mid-September for suspected ties to Islamist State militant Rachid Kassim, the Paris prosecutors' office said on Sunday. Aged 17 and 19, the teenagers used the Telegram encrypted messaging system to communicate with Kassim, who is suspected of having participated in several attacks or attempted attacks in France, a spokesman said, confirming an earlier report by newspaper Le Parisien. "They were incited to commit an attack on specific targets in retaliation for the recent death of the Islamic State's spokesman (Abu Muhammad al-Adnani)," a source close to the investigation told Le Parisien. The two teenagers admitted considering the attack, before abandoning the idea, the daily reported. At least four other teenagers, all suspected of having plotted to kill in the name of the Islamic State, were arrested in about 10 days in early September by the General Directorate for Internal Security, a French intelligence agency, which spotted the suspects on social networks. All were in contact via Telegram with Kassim, who is currently located in the Syrian-Iraqi region, according to police and judicial sources. (Reuters)

Two French teenagers held for suspected ties to IS militant

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