Tech

Russia mandates use of new state-controlled messaging app

Russia mandates state-controlled messaging app Max for officials by September 2025, increasing digital surveillance and replacing foreign platforms

Published

6 months ago

August 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Russia mandates state-controlled messaging app Max for officials by September, increasing digital surveillance and replacing foreign platforms

In Short:
– The Kremlin is launching a state-controlled app, Max, for government officials by September 2025.
– Max raises privacy concerns as it integrates messaging and government services, replacing foreign apps like WhatsApp.

The Kremlin has launched Max, a state-controlled messaging app mandated for government officials by September 2025.

According to The Independent, it is part of a move towards a digital surveillance ecosystem mirroring China’s model.

The platform, developed by VK Company, integrates messaging, government services, and financial transactions, raising privacy concerns among experts.

The Russian authorities aim to phase out foreign apps like WhatsApp, currently used by around 70% of Russians.

Max’s functionality allows users to handle various administrative tasks while permitting extensive access to personal data without traditional privacy controls.

The app will be pre-installed on all new devices sold in Russia starting September 2025.

Digital Suspension

Cybersecurity experts have termed Max as a “digital gulag,” enabling government access to citizens’ communications.

With over 2 million users registered by July 2025, concerns have been raised over its potential to serve as state-backed spyware.

Human rights groups warn of its implications for digital freedoms, especially as Russia intensifies its crackdown on dissenting voices.

Tech

Nvidia and Amazon explore massive OpenAI funding round

Nvidia CEO downplays $100B OpenAI investment, as Amazon eyes $50B stake in AI startup

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nvidia CEO downplays $100B OpenAI investment, as Amazon eyes $50B stake in AI startup

In Short:
– OpenAI aims to raise up to $100 billion, with Amazon considering a $50 billion investment.
– Funding will support Project Stargate and address projected losses of $14 billion by 2026.

Nvidia’s CEO has confirmed the company will participate in a major funding round for OpenAI, though the previously mentioned $100 billion commitment is not final.

This investment comes as OpenAI seeks to raise up to $100 billion, potentially valuing the AI startup at around $830 billion. Amazon is also reportedly in discussions to contribute up to $50 billion.

The funding is intended to support OpenAI’s ambitious $500 billion Project Stargate, aimed at pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence.

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News

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

6 days ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

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Tech

Memory shortages and rising prices could persist through 2027

Memory chip supply tight, prices high; Lenovo warns rising costs impact budget devices amid strong PC demand from Windows 11.

Published

1 week ago

January 27, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Memory chip supply tight, prices high; Lenovo warns rising costs impact budget devices amid strong PC demand from Windows 11.

Memory chips critical to consumer electronics and AI data centres remain in tight supply, keeping prices elevated despite production expansion by major players including Samsung and Micron.

Lenovo warns higher memory costs will hit budget devices first, even as PC demand stays strong from Windows 11 upgrades.

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