Policy & Regulation
Cybersecurity news in this category
HackerOne Ends Anonymous Era for Bug Bounty Hunters with Mandatory ID Verification
Telegram Briefly Removed from App Store After Apple Detects Child Sexual Abuse Material
Russia's MinTsifry Proposes Hosting Providers Detect and Report Disguised VPN Services
Why Sending an MDM Command Does Not Mean It Has Been Executed
MDM operations such as policy assignment and device lock appear synchronous in the console but actually trigger complex asynchronous delivery chains involving backends, queues, vendor infrastructure, and device agents. The article explains that request acceptance, queue storage, external API confirmation, and actual device execution represent four distinct states that must be tracked separately. Aitera MDM implements an Outbox pattern to ensure transactional consistency between policy changes and command delivery while supporting at-least-once semantics with idempotency. Android Enterprise relies on the Android Management API and Google-controlled synchronization through Android Device Policy, whereas iOS uses APNs only for wake-up and pull-based command retrieval with statuses including Acknowledged, Error, and NotNow. The system maintains separate desired, delivery, and observed states to avoid misleading applied flags and provides detailed command history for administrators. Metrics focus on policy confirmation rates, queue age, and divergence between intended and actual device configurations rather than simple device counts.
Russia's FAS Opens Antitrust Case Against Apple for Failing to Pre-Install Domestic Software on iOS Devices
Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service has initiated proceedings against Apple after the company failed to comply with a prior warning to pre-install Russian software on iPhones and iPads. The case stems from requirements under Russian law to offer domestic alternatives for search engines, messengers, and app stores. Apple had added support for a Russian search engine in a software update, but this did not satisfy regulators who also demanded the national messenger and domestic app store. Non-compliance could result in a fine reaching up to 4 billion rubles under the Code of Administrative Offenses. The government has already approved a mandatory list of Russian applications that must be pre-installed on smartphones and tablets starting January 1, 2027. The list includes RuStore, Max, Yandex Browser, Alice AI, VKontakte, Gosuslugi, Mir Pay, Mail.ru, and 2GIS among others.
Russia Drafts Rules Letting Users Choose AI Assistant at Smartphone First Boot
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has published a draft government resolution that would replace the existing voice assistant pre-installation requirement with a broader category called system assistant. The new rules would allow users to select a domestic, foreign, or no AI assistant when first powering on a smartphone. The system assistant is defined as an AI program capable of controlling the device, operating system, and applications through voice, text, and visual commands. Manufacturers would be required to give the chosen assistant equal treatment regarding updates, settings, and interface visibility, and the pre-installed version must remain free and persist after factory resets. Search services could also incorporate AI technologies under the updated list. The ministry states the changes aim to increase competition between Russian and foreign platforms while preserving user access to modern AI services even if certain foreign products face restrictions.
Password Rotation Policies Under Scrutiny: NIST Guidelines, Historical Origins, and Logical Flaws
The article examines the long-standing practice of mandatory password rotation every 90 days, contrasting it with modern recommendations from NIST that advocate changing passwords only upon confirmed compromise rather than on a fixed schedule. It dissects common arguments in favor of periodic rotation, such as limiting offline hash cracking time and terminating unknown sessions, and demonstrates how these rely on reverse logic that starts from the control rather than from actual threats. Historical analysis traces the 90-day rule back to the 1985 DoD Green Book (CSC-STD-002-85), revealing that its own calculations showed password lifetime has minimal impact on security when proper rate limiting is in place. The piece distinguishes between data leakage and credential compromise, emphasizing that internal organizational signals provide far better indicators for targeted password changes than public breach databases. It concludes that scheduled rotation only makes sense as a substitute for mature detection capabilities, a trade-off explicitly recognized in PCI DSS v4.0.
Yandex Alice AI Replaces VK Marusya in Russia's Mandatory Preinstalled Apps List for 2027
Russian authorities have approved the official list of software that device manufacturers and sellers must preinstall on smartphones, tablets, and computers starting in 2027. The updated requirements maintain most of the previous selections without major disruption. The only notable change involves voice assistants, where Yandex Alice AI will now take the place previously held by VK Marusya. This adjustment reflects ongoing government efforts to promote domestic software through mandatory preinstallation policies. The regulation continues to focus on ensuring Russian-developed applications receive prominent placement on new devices sold in the country.
FSB Russia Certifies Rutoken Chip 3127 with Five-Year Cryptographic Key Validity
Aktiv has received an FSB Russia certificate for the embedded Rutoken Chip 3127 microcontroller under security classes KS1 and KS2. The certification followed additional research that extended the validity period of the device's private cryptographic keys to five years. The chip belongs to the Rutoken ECP 3.0 3127 product line and targets long-term cryptographic protection in servers, ATMs, workstations, tablets, biometric systems, industrial equipment, and IoT devices. It stores keys in non-extractable form, performs user and device authentication, verifies component integrity, and supports trusted boot processes by controlling executable code at each stage. Additional capabilities include data encryption, derivation of session keys, secure software updates, and protected TLS and VPN connections using the CRISP protocol that complies with GOST R 71252-2024. The chip incorporates hardware-level defenses such as voltage monitoring, protective layer detection, and dummy branch execution to counter physical tampering and side-channel attacks. Pilot deployments have already occurred, including integration into the OVISION biometric access control systems, paving the way for serial use in critical infrastructure.
Durov's Addition to Terrorist List Triggers Russian Account Blocks but Does Not Automatically Ban Telegram or Classify Transfers as Terrorism Financing
Russian financial institutions must suspend operations on Pavel Durov's domestic accounts following his inclusion in the Rosfinmonitoring terrorist and extremist list on July 30. The restrictions primarily target his personal finances and property inside Russia, as confirmed by attorney Dmitry Roshchin. Telegram itself remains unaffected as a platform because the messenger and its founder are legally distinct entities. Transfers to Durov do not automatically constitute terrorism financing; criminal liability requires proof that the funds were specifically intended for terrorist activities. The FSB has accused Durov of aiding terrorism by failing to remove channels allegedly used by Ukrainian services for sabotage planning, yet he has not been convicted by a court. Media outlets RIA Novosti and Izvestia reported these clarifications on compliance with Russian anti-terrorism legislation.
Russian Ministry Proposes Mandatory Phone-Number Authentication for Foreign Websites and Apps
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has drafted new rules requiring foreign websites and applications to authenticate users in Russia exclusively through phone numbers. The measure forms part of the third anti-fraud package known as Antifraud 3.0 and would eliminate email, social-media logins and other traditional methods. Foreign service operators would also be obliged to retain registration, login and account-deletion records for three years and to hand them over to Russian law-enforcement agencies upon request. Amendments are planned for Article 8 of the law On Information, with submission to the State Duma scheduled for autumn 2026. Experts warn that many international companies may refuse to build separate authentication flows for the Russian market, potentially leading some services to exit Russia entirely. The proposal also raises enforcement questions for already-blocked platforms such as Facebook and Instagram owned by Meta.
Google's Android Developer Verification Rollout: Implications for Russian Devices and MDM-Managed Phones
Google is introducing mandatory Android Developer Verification on certified devices starting in select countries in September 2026, requiring developers to register and sign apps with verified identities. The policy aims to curb fraudulent and malicious applications by linking package names to registered developer signatures checked via the new Android Developer Verifier system component. Devices without Google services, including many Russian and Chinese firmware builds as well as AOSP variants, remain completely unaffected since the verification mechanism relies on Google Play services. Russia is explicitly excluded from the initial rollout and subsequent waves due to sanctions, allowing continued distribution of in-house and third-party applications. Corporate MDM deployments are also exempt because administrators are considered to have already vetted the apps for safety. Google plans to offer both full registration requiring D-U-N-S numbers for organizations and a limited option for hobbyists capped at 20 devices. The company has already registered SafeMobile as a verified developer, ensuring seamless installation of its client on supported devices.
Building Information Security Culture: How Welcome Training Turned Rules into Engaging Dialogue
A large software development company transformed its approach to information security awareness by replacing formal policy sign-offs and portal documents with an interactive Welcome Training program. The 45-minute in-person sessions target developers, analysts, testers, product managers, and designers, focusing on real-world context, attack mechanics, and personal relevance rather than prohibitions. Training covers global and local threat landscapes, password policies, corporate email usage, sensitive data storage with VeraCrypt, secure credential sharing via pbin, file verification with VirusTotal, and social engineering defense. It also highlights existing corporate tools including Kaspersky Endpoint Security, Kaspersky Secure Mail Gateway, and SIEM systems to emphasize layered protection. The format has increased engagement, improved retention of guidelines, fostered conscious compliance, and noticeably reduced incidents stemming from human error. The company stresses that technology alone fails without employee understanding of why rules matter.
Russian Ministry Clarifies No Plans to Disable Apple iPhones Despite New Device Registry
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has officially stated that no government body or telecom operator has the authority to remotely disable iPhones or other devices from specific manufacturers. The clarification was issued in response to an inquiry from deputy Vladimir Plyakin regarding rumors of potential restrictions if Apple fails to comply with Russian legislation. Current laws do not permit turning user devices into non-functional bricks through any centralized mechanism. However, amendments to the law On Communications will introduce a national registry of user equipment identifiers starting March 1, 2027. The ministry is still developing the regulatory framework for this database, including what data will be collected and which agencies will have access. Officials emphasized that the existence of the registry does not imply any capability for mass device deactivation at this stage.
Russia's Top Investigator Proposes AI, VPN and Other Technologies as Aggravating Circumstances in Criminal Code
Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia's Investigative Committee, has put forward a bill that would treat the use of artificial intelligence, VPN services and other information technologies as an aggravating factor when sentencing offenders. The proposal aims to address the growing role of digital tools in crimes ranging from fraud and data trafficking to terrorism, murder and sexual offences. Current Russian law lacks a universal provision allowing courts to factor in the deployment of such technologies during punishment decisions. Bastrykin argued that embedding specific technologies into dozens of Criminal Code articles would be inefficient because the IT landscape evolves too rapidly for static legal language. Instead, the committee advocates a systemic approach that recognises technology as a distinct aggravating circumstance when it serves as the primary instrument of the crime or significantly amplifies the harm caused. The measure would not criminalise the mere possession or activation of a VPN, smartphone or AI model; it would apply only when these tools materially enable or scale criminal activity. The bill has already been prepared by the Investigative Committee and was outlined in an interview with Interfax.
Bank of Russia Publishes Methodological Recommendations No. 3-MR on AI Security for Financial Market Participants
The Bank of Russia has released methodological recommendations No. 3-MR dated 16 June 2026, providing detailed guidance on ensuring information security during the development and use of artificial intelligence systems in the financial sector. The document builds on the earlier Code of Ethics for AI in finance and integrates with existing risk management, operational resilience, and data protection frameworks already familiar to credit institutions and other market participants. It introduces standardized terminology for AI-specific threats such as hallucinations, data drift, and poisoned datasets while outlining six risk categories and a four-stage AI system lifecycle model. Organizations are advised to apply threat modeling based on FSTEC methodology, implement proportional controls across data preparation, development, training, and operation phases, and maintain human oversight for high-risk automated processes. Special attention is given to supply chain risks involving third-party vendors and open-source components, requiring due diligence, provenance tracking, and contractual safeguards aligned with existing outsourcing standards. The recommendations remain non-binding yet signal clear regulatory expectations that are likely to influence future compliance checks and audits.
Aladdin Obtains New FSB Certificate for CryptoFlash Encrypted USB Drive Valid Until 2029
Aladdin has received a new FSB Russia certificate for its Aladdin CryptoFlash hardware-encrypted USB drive. The certificate number ะกะค/124-5574 confirms compliance with cryptographic protection requirements for classes KS1 and KS2 and remains valid until 16 July 2029. The device now supports additional Russian Linux distributions including RED OS 7.3 and 8, Alt 8 SP Workstation, Alt Workstation 10, and the OS of the Moscow Electronic School. Read and write speeds have been increased to 11 MB/s while the graphical interface received improvements. The product uses the Magma encryption algorithm in hardware and operates as a clientless solution that requires no additional drivers or software. The previous certificate remains active until December 2028, allowing both versions of the device to be used in parallel for storing and transferring official and confidential information marked DSP.
Microsoft Tightens Corporate Windows Activation with TPM-Bound KMS Servers
Microsoft is strengthening its corporate Windows licensing controls by introducing new requirements for KMS servers used in volume activation. The changes will bind KMS hosts to TPM hardware attestation, preventing cloned or fake servers from issuing licenses to unlicensed devices. Warnings will begin appearing in Windows Server 2025 in August 2026, with mandatory enforcement planned for the next LTSC release. Existing KMS systems will continue operating normally until the new rules take effect. The update targets enterprise environments with on-premises KMS infrastructure and does not affect individual consumer devices or common non-KMS activation bypass methods. Administrators can already verify TPM support on physical servers using the Get-TpmSupportedFeature command.
Russia's Article 10.1 on Personal Data Dissemination: Apparent and Real Contradictions in Federal Law 152-FZ
Part II of the analysis examines how the rushed redrafting of Article 10.1 between the first and second readings created serious interpretive problems in Federal Law 152-FZ. The core issues include undefined terms such as 'disclosure', conflicting definitions of 'access', 'provision' and 'dissemination' between 152-FZ and 149-FZ, and the removal of the legal basis for processing publicly available data while retaining the consent mechanism that was meant to control it. Courts have consistently held that mere openness of data does not constitute a valid processing ground, forcing subsequent operators to find their own basis under Article 6. The article highlights that the mechanism for subjects to set conditions and prohibitions was preserved, yet the underlying legal foundation that would make those rules effective was eliminated. Two possible readings of the special consent are explored, with judicial practice leaning toward the narrower interpretation that leaves conditions and prohibitions as mere additional restrictions rather than a source of authorization.
Why Deep Packet Inspection Overestimates Its Reach in Encrypted Networks
Modern encryption has fundamentally limited the effectiveness of Deep Packet Inspection systems, leaving network monitors with only metadata and behavioral patterns rather than actual content. DPI tools can still classify traffic types and apply policies based on visible flow characteristics, but they cannot read messages, files, or credentials inside properly encrypted sessions without explicit TLS inspection. The article details how TLS 1.3, Encrypted Client Hello, and QUIC further reduce passive visibility while corporate inspection remains possible only when endpoint devices trust an organizational certificate. Russian regulatory requirements around TSPU systems are discussed separately from corporate DPI use, with emphasis on the need for technical confirmation rather than assumptions. The piece also clarifies distinctions between DPI, IDS, IPS, and DLP, and explains why machine learning cannot convert metadata into decrypted payloads. Overall, the analysis shows that DPI remains useful for traffic management and known-threat detection where visibility exists, but it cannot serve as a complete security foundation.
How Russia's Article 10.1 on Personal Data Dissemination Emerged: Legislative History and Reform Flaws
The article examines the origins of Article 10.1 in Federal Law 152-FZ, introduced via bill 1057337-7 by deputy Anton Gorelk in in November 2020. It traces how the reform aimed to separate publication, access, extraction, and reuse of personal data but retained outdated definitions from the original law and added exceptions that created contradictions. The piece details pre-reform court rulings, including Supreme Court decisions confirming that open internet profiles do not automatically qualify as publicly available data under Article 8. It highlights the committee's own admission that the bill failed to meet its stated goals and the Legal Department's warning about inconsistent terminology around 'access' and 'transfer'. The resulting 519-FZ law is described as an imprecise attempt to solve real control problems with unsuitable conceptual tools, leaving operators unable to apply the rules consistently.
EU Imposes 21st Sanctions Package Targeting 94 Russian Banks Including Ozon Bank, Yandex Bank and WB Bank
The European Union has adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, placing restrictions on 94 banks, the Moscow Exchange, and several payment organizations. The measures, effective from 23 July, directly affect Rosselkhozbank, Dom.rf, MTS Bank, Ak Bars, Uralsib, Zenit, Absolut Bank, WB Bank, Ozon Bank, Tochka, Yandex Bank, and Post Bank. Personal sanctions were also imposed on Bank of Russia Deputy Chairman Sergey Belov, Russian Railways head Oleg Belozerov, and other individuals. In addition to finance, the package covers energy, trade, and cryptocurrency sectors. Russian financial institutions have stated that operations continue normally, though the Golden Crown payment system has already suspended transfers to Georgia and several other countries. Moscow Exchange and affected banks including Ozon Bank and Tochka confirmed that trading, settlements, and client services remain unchanged.
Sberbank to Terminate Currency and Multicurrency Visa Cards from September 2026 Despite Prior Extensions to 2030
Sberbank announced it will cease servicing currency and multicurrency Visa cards starting September 1, 2026, including those whose validity was previously extended until 2030. The bank notified customers via SMS and advised them to close affected cards in advance through the Sberbank Online app or at a branch to avoid access issues with their funds. This decision aligns with ongoing sanctions against Russia, import substitution policies, and the gradual removal of Visa and Mastercard from the Russian market. Central Bank officials, including Elvira Nabiullina and Alla Bakina, have confirmed that international payment systems must exit Russia, with the share of Visa and Mastercard already reduced to less than 17 percent. The National System of Payment Cards continues to incur costs supporting legacy cards while promoting domestic alternatives such as Mir. Customers are encouraged to transfer remaining balances to other accounts to maintain uninterrupted access to their money.
.RU and .ะ ะค Registries Stop Disclosing Legal Entity Domain Owners in WHOIS
The domain registries for .RU and .ะ ะค have ceased displaying detailed information about administrators that are legal entities. Previously the WHOIS service revealed the full name of the organization along with its INN tax identification number, but the records now show only the generic term Organization. The change was first noticed on 22 July by Habr user @ifap, who observed that domains previously linked to government bodies such as the Federal Protective Service no longer reveal the actual administrator. Support staff at the Coordination Center attributed the disappearance of data to unspecified technical issues and described the outage as temporary, without providing any timeline or details on the root cause. Observers note that the reduced transparency turns routine owner identification into a lengthy investigation, especially for less prominent domains. One unconfirmed theory suggests the registry is being reconfigured to meet new authentication requirements for domain administrators. It remains unclear whether the previous level of disclosure will be restored or whether the current limited view will become permanent.
Advanced Windows Auditing Configuration Guide for Effective Incident Response in SOC Environments
The article provides a detailed walkthrough on configuring advanced audit policies in Windows 10 and Windows 11 to generate meaningful security events for incident investigation. It explains the role of the LSASS service in logging activities to the Security event log and contrasts basic auditing with the more granular advanced auditing that offers 53 subcategories. The guide covers enabling key subcategories such as Logon, Process Creation, and Account Management using auditpol commands, along with registry tweaks for PowerShell Script Block Logging and command-line auditing in process creation events. Practical tests demonstrate real-world events including successful and failed logons (Event IDs 4624 and 4625), process creation with arguments (Event ID 4688), and user account creation (Event IDs 4720 and 4732). All steps are performed on a VMware Workstation virtual machine running Windows 10 Pro 22H2 to avoid impacting production systems.
Russia's Supreme Court Bans Silent Crow and Cyberpartisans BY as Extremist Organizations
The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has officially recognized the hacker groups Silent Crow and Cyberpartisans BY as extremist organizations and banned their activities in Russia. The closed-door ruling, issued at the request of the General Prosecutor's Office, accuses both groups of conducting joint cyberattacks against Russian and Belarusian critical information infrastructure with the aim of destabilizing the political situation and achieving an unconstitutional change of government. Cyberpartisans BY are described as part of the Belarusian association Supratsiv, which allegedly seeks a violent overthrow of the constitutional order, and are linked to the banned Polk named after Kastus Kalinouski as well as Ukrainian military information-psychological operations units. Silent Crow, previously known as CyberWar and Cyber LegionsUA, is portrayed as a pro-Ukrainian collective of politically motivated hacktivists whose primary objective is to damage Russian state bodies, companies, and critical infrastructure. Both groups are held responsible for attacks on Aeroflot IT systems, Rostelecom databases, Rosreestr servers, and the Belarusian Railway infrastructure. Participation in or support for these organizations now carries legal liability under Russian law.
How CISOs Can Speak to CEOs: Translating Cyber Risks into Business Impact and Financial Consequences
The July 2025 Aeroflot cyber incident, claimed by Silent Crow and Belarusian Cyber-Partisans, demonstrated how technical vulnerabilities quickly translate into canceled flights, regulatory investigations, stock market reactions, and direct executive accountability. The article examines the persistent communication gap between CISOs, who focus on metrics like EDR coverage and mean time to detect, and CEOs, who prioritize costs, operational disruptions, revenue loss, and personal liability. Research from EY and Splunk highlights differing perceptions of threats and success measures, while real-world cases such as Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, Clorox, Change Healthcare, SolarWinds, and Uber show how contractor weaknesses, missing MFA, and delayed disclosures lead to hundreds of millions in damages and legal actions. Regulatory developments, including SEC charges against CISOs and Russia's 420-FZ with turnover-based fines, further force cybersecurity discussions into the boardroom. The piece provides a practical translation table showing how technical warnings should be reframed using concrete business scenarios and financial impacts. It concludes that both CISOs and CEOs must initiate conversations around unacceptable events, downtime costs, and risk reduction versus post-incident consequences.
EU Forces Google to Open Android Microphone, Camera and Screen Access for Rival AI Assistants
The European Union has ordered Google to provide competing AI assistants with the same level of access to sensitive Android resources that is currently reserved for Gemini. The ruling covers eleven system functions, including voice activation, home button integration, background execution, and on-device AI model access. Rival assistants will also gain real-time environmental data streams from the microphone, camera, screen, and speakers under identical consent and notification rules applied to Google services. Additional capabilities include cross-app interaction, messaging, scheduling, device settings control, and multi-step task automation. Screen automation will allow assistants to operate apps inside a virtual window while the user performs other activities. Most changes are scheduled for Android 18 by 1 August 2027, while simultaneous activation of multiple assistants by voice keyword will arrive in Android 19 no later than 1 August 2028. Access to the most sensitive functions may require objective security certification and explicit user authorization.
Walk In, You've Been Recognized: The Evolution of Identification Technologies in Modern Access Control Systems
PERCo has expanded its PERCo-Web access control system with new BLE-enabled readers, companion mobile apps, and a joint facial recognition solution developed with the CRะข group. The update provides an opportunity to examine how identification methods in physical access control have developed without any single technology fully displacing the others. Traditional proximity and MIFARE cards remain the foundation, while QR codes, NFC, BLE, and biometrics each occupy specific niches based on convenience, security, and regulatory requirements. Russian Federal Law 572-FZ has fundamentally changed facial biometrics deployment by mandating use of the Unified Biometric System (EBS) or accredited commercial systems (KBS) for authentication. The article explains the technical workflow from reader to controller, the cryptographic protections of modern cards, the contactless advantages of BLE, and the privacy and compliance considerations that now make facial recognition a 'technology of trust' rather than simple convenience.
Russian Users Report Widespread App Store Outages as Roskomnadzor Denies Any Role in Restricting Access
Russian users began experiencing technical problems with the App Store starting early in the day, with the monitoring service Sboy.rf receiving 251 complaints about instability and failed downloads. The majority of reports originated from Moscow, accounting for 20 percent of cases, followed by Saint Petersburg at 13 percent and several other regions including Udmurtia, Kursk, Rostov, Bryansk oblasts and Stavropol Krai each contributing 5 percent. Affected users described inconsistent behavior of the App Store application itself along with difficulties downloading games and other software, where the Get button would appear but actual downloads would succeed only sporadically. In response to the growing number of reports, Roskomnadzor quickly issued a brief statement clarifying that it is not imposing any restrictions on access to the App Store. The exact cause of the disruptions remains unknown, Apple has not provided any official comment, and the scale of the incident is considered limited since only several hundred users have reported issues and not everyone is affected. Standard troubleshooting steps such as verifying internet connectivity, restarting the App Store application, and waiting for service restoration have been recommended to users.
VK Apps Remain Downloadable in US Google Play Despite Removal in Russia and Turkey Amid Sanctions
The removal of VK services from Google Play has proven to be less global than initially reported, with applications still accessible to users whose Google accounts are registered in the United States region. Testing revealed a clear geographic pattern: the apps are unavailable in Russian and Turkish storefronts but remain fully visible and installable under the American region. The services disappeared from the store on July 16, prompting VK to confirm that already installed applications will continue functioning without restrictions and directing users to alternative stores such as RuStore. The exact cause of the regional discrepancy remains unclear and may relate to Google Play configuration settings, ongoing sanctions against Russia, distribution policies, or simple catalog synchronization delays. In a related development, VK users have begun receiving notifications urging them to switch to the vk.ru domain, which the company states offers superior speed and reliability and will now serve as the primary address.
VK and MAX Apps Removed from Google Play Store Amid EU Sanctions on Russian Company
VK and its national messenger MAX have been removed from the Google Play Store following the European Union's decision to add the parent company to its sanctions list. The company confirmed that the apps are no longer available for new downloads or updates through Google, but existing installations continue to function normally with full access to messaging, calls, events, and push notifications. Users can obtain updates and new installations through alternative Android stores including RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps, or receive in-app update prompts when new versions become available. The removal comes shortly after similar apps such as Dzen and VK Video disappeared from the Apple App Store last month. Although the exact reasons were not disclosed in VK's statement, the sanctions were triggered specifically by the development of the MAX messenger as a national platform. This development highlights how regulatory actions are reshaping app distribution channels for Russian digital services, positioning RuStore as a primary rather than backup marketplace.
Russian Players Report Mass Launch Failures in Diablo IV, Marvel Rivals and Other Online Games Amid Suspected Regional Restrictions
Russian gamers are experiencing widespread problems launching popular online titles including Diablo IV, Marvel Rivals, and Neverness to Everness, with games either failing to start or disconnecting at the server connection stage. Reports on Steam highlight the recurring Server Connection Failed error in Marvel Rivals, where standard troubleshooting steps such as client restarts, file verification, and account re-logins provide no relief for many users. The issues coincide with mentions of content web filtering systems and follow a partial Steam outage on July 14 that already disrupted platform sections and page loading. Players are divided between theories of deliberate regional blocks or ordinary technical faults, yet neither game developers nor Russian authorities have issued any official statements. Steam itself remains accessible, allowing users to reach their libraries and the Play button, but actual gameplay connections have turned into an unpredictable lottery. Without confirmed explanations, affected players can only continue testing connections and hoping for successful launches.
Google to Allow Competing Android App Stores Directly Inside Play Store After Epic Games Court Ruling
Google is preparing to open its official Google Play store to rival Android app marketplaces starting July 22, following a court order issued in the long-running antitrust lawsuit with Epic Games. The ruling stems from the 2020 Fortnite dispute over Googleโs 30% commission and direct in-app purchases that bypassed the platformโs billing system. A federal judge determined that Google had unlawfully prevented device makers from promoting or pre-installing alternative app stores, thereby reinforcing Google Playโs monopoly position. As a result, approved third-party stores will now be distributed directly through Google Play, receive default access to its app catalog, and be subject to an annual $5,000 verification fee. Developers retain the right to block distribution of their apps on specific stores, while participating marketplaces must meet strict security, copyright, and update obligations or risk removal if suspicious installations exceed 1%. Although the changes are expected to apply primarily in the United States, the decision marks a fundamental shift in how Google must accommodate competitors within its own ecosystem.
UK Plans Nighttime Social Media Curfew and Addictive Feature Restrictions for Teens from 2027
The United Kingdom has announced plans to restrict social media access for teenagers aged 16-17, introducing a nightly curfew from midnight to 6 a.m. starting in spring 2027. In addition to the time-based ban, platforms will be required to disable addictive features such as infinite personalized feeds, autoplay videos, Reels, and TikTok-style content by default for this age group. The measures are designed as a transitional step ahead of a complete social media ban for children under 16, which will also take effect in spring 2027. Government officials cite a pilot study involving 300 participants that demonstrated improved sleep quality and concentration after implementing similar nighttime restrictions. The policy also targets AI chatbots, mandating mandatory breaks for minors and potentially banning services that provide dangerous or unverified mental health advice. Schools will incorporate new digital literacy modules covering safe AI usage, detection of deepfakes, disinformation, and harmful content such as violent or misogynistic material.
US Prepares for Free Chinese AI Models Distributed Like Torrents, Weighs Policy Shift on Open-Source Systems
The Trump administration is actively discussing uniform capability requirements for American open-source AI models, using advanced Chinese systems as the benchmark. Chinese developers are expected to release powerful Mythos-class models within the next 6โ12 months that anyone can freely download, run locally, fine-tune, and integrate without developer oversight. This development creates a policy dilemma for Washington, as overly strict controls risk slowing domestic innovation while failing to prevent the spread of foreign technology. China is deliberately promoting open AI releases to expand the global reach of its developers, especially after restrictions limited the availability of leading U.S. models. At the same time, the industry is exploring superconducting cables and optical interconnects to curb the rapid growth in data-center electricity consumption, which already accounts for 1.5% of global power usage. The Washington Post notes that long-term energy forecasts may be overstated if these efficiency technologies are adopted at scale.
Google Urges European Commission to Stop Mass Blocking of IP Addresses, DNS Services and VPNs in Piracy Fight
Google has called on the European Commission to abandon the widespread practice of blocking IP addresses, DNS services and VPNs as a means of combating pirate sites, describing the approach as both ineffective and risky. The company explained that such blocks fail to remove illegal content permanently and allow users to quickly switch to alternative DNS providers, VPNs or new addresses, enabling piracy to continue uninterrupted. Blocking entire IP ranges is particularly problematic because a single address or range is often shared by multiple unrelated legitimate websites and cloud services, leading to collateral damage for lawful users. Google cited the December 2019 incident in Portugal, where ISP blocks on virtual IP addresses disrupted important Google services and affected Google Cloud customers sharing the same infrastructure. A similar outcome followed the blocking of The Pirate Bay in the United Kingdom, after which lists of proxy servers rapidly appeared online to restore access. The search giant stressed that these measures only create temporary obstacles rather than eliminating the source of pirated material and increase the chance of accidentally disabling legitimate online resources.
Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov Labels EU Sanctions Against MAX Messenger as Manifestation of Repressive Policy
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary to the Russian president, has strongly condemned the European Union's decision to impose sanctions on the Russian messenger MAX, describing the move as absolutely absurd and a clear demonstration of the repressive character of European sanctions policy. The EU added the parent company VK and its subsidiary LLC Communication Platform, the developer and operator of MAX, to its sanctions list due to their connection with Russia's national messenger. This action follows the removal of the VK and MAX applications from the Apple App Store in June, although already installed versions continue to function without the ability to receive updates through the store. VK has stated that the sanctions have not impacted the messenger's operations and that MAX along with other services remain fully available to users in normal mode. The situation raises questions about whether further barriers will emerge around MAX beyond the current sanctions listings and App Store restrictions, with political rhetoric currently outweighing any significant technical consequences.
RZD Trunk Quantum Network Obtains FSTEC Attestation and Enters External Commercial Market
Russiaโs state-owned railway operator RZD has successfully passed certification by the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC), confirming that its trunk quantum network meets the requirements for information systems of the second protection class. The attestation enables RZD to begin offering quantum-secured communication services to external organizations, including banks, industrial enterprises, medical institutions, and transport companies. Quantum key distribution technology allows any interception attempt to be detected because interference with the quantum channel alters the state of transmitted particles, providing a level of security far beyond conventional encryption methods. The network is already being tested by the Bank of Russia, the Federal Treasury, the Financial University, and several major banks, with potential clients also identified in the oil-and-gas, industrial, healthcare, and transportation sectors. The Ministry of Digital Development considers the technology sufficiently mature and has included further expansion of the quantum network through 2030 in the national โData Economyโ project roadmap. As a result, RZD is gradually transforming from a traditional carrier of passengers and cargo into an operator of protected digital highways.
Telegram Loses Global Short Links as t.me Domain Disabled Worldwide by .me Registry
On July 13, users worldwide discovered that Telegramโs short links in the t.me format stopped opening in web browsers, although the messenger itself continued to function normally. The issue was first reported by the Russian publication Kode Durova and affects only external browser access, while links remain fully operational inside the Telegram desktop client and mobile applications. According to preliminary findings, the domain was effectively removed from the DNS system at the registry level of the .me top-level domain, which belongs to Montenegro and is operated by the company doMEn. The exact reason for the deactivation remains unknown, with possible explanations including a legal dispute, routine verification, government requests, or a violation of the domain zoneโs rules. Notably, the t.me domain is registered to Telegram until 2035, ruling out simple expiration or administrative oversight. As a result, users are currently advised to open t.me links directly through the Telegram app while waiting for the domain to be restored in the global DNS.
EU Adds Russian Tech Giant VK to Sanctions List Over Development of National Messenger MAX
The European Union has included VK in its sanctions regime, targeting the parent company of Russiaโs largest social media platforms including VKontakte and Odnoklassniki. The move was triggered by VKโs ownership of the developer behind the national messenger application MAX, which Russian authorities have been promoting as a domestic digital platform. According to the Council of the EU, VK serves as the parent structure for LLC Communication Platform, the entity directly responsible for creating and operating MAX. The sanctions decision was formally published on 13 July in the Official Journal of the European Union, marking the first time Brussels has directly sanctioned a major Russian IT holding in connection with a consumer messaging service. While the exact operational and commercial consequences for VK, its subsidiaries, and international partners remain unspecified in the official notice, the action extends EU restrictive measures beyond traditional sectors such as banking, energy, and manufacturing into the Russian technology industry. VKโs press service stated that the sanctions do not affect the functioning of VK or MAX and that all applications and services remain available to users without disruption.
Russia to Mandate Gosuslugi Authentication for Hosting Providers, Further Reducing Anonymity in Runet
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development (MinTsifry) is advancing plans to require all hosting providers to identify clients exclusively through the Gosuslugi portal and the ESIA system. The measure aims to ensure that every allocated IP address is linked to a verified individual, going beyond current methods such as email or bank card verification. This approach mirrors the identification rules already enforced since September for .ru, .ัั, and .su domain registrations and renewals. Industry reactions are divided: while some providers like Turbo Cloud support the initiative for combating fraud, others warn of high implementation costs and significant client losses. Smaller users, including students and independent developers, may migrate to foreign hosting services, and foreigners could face restricted access without alternative verification options.
Phase II of National 100-City FDE Frontier Deployment Engineer Onboarding Program Officially Launches
The second phase of the nationwide "Hundred Cities On-the-Job Plan" for FDE Frontier Deployment Engineers has been announced, expanding opportunities across China. The initiative targets experienced engineers specializing in advanced deployment technologies and aims to place professionals in key urban centers. Building on the success of the first phase, this new round seeks to strengthen technical capabilities in critical infrastructure and cybersecurity domains. Participants will receive structured onboarding, training, and direct placement support in multiple cities. The program underscores growing demand for specialized deployment expertise amid rapid digital transformation.