Russia mandates the installation of the state messenger MAX on all mobile devices: government aims to tighten control and enhance digital security
Since the beginning of September, the Russian government has launched a new mandatory policy requiring all owners of smartphones and tablets sold within the country to pre-install the state-controlled messaging app MAX on their devices.
Officially announced by the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications, this initiative seeks to create a unified digital ecosystem controlled by the state.
Officials argue that this move is necessary to improve user security, strengthen data protection, and prevent cybercrime.
However, many experts and human rights advocates see this step not just as a technical improvement, but as a tool to increase governmental surveillance and restrict citizens’ privacy by limiting their choices.
Currently, the MAX app, developed by the popular Russian company VK, has already been downloaded by around 18 million users, though it remains in the testing phase with incomplete features.
Despite claims from the Ministry of Internal Affairs about increased security compared to foreign counterparts, law enforcement recently reported the first case of fraud linked to the new messenger platform.
Additionally, the government has decided to mandate the integration of other Russian platforms into devices.
From September, Apple devices will automatically include the Russian app store RuStore, previously available only on Android.
Moreover, all new TVs sold in Russia will come with the LIME HD TV application, allowing viewers to access federal channels.
This push to promote domestic platforms coincides with restrictions imposed on Western services.
In August, authorities partially blocked audio and video calls in WhatsApp and Telegram, citing refusal of their providers to share data for investigations into fraud and terrorism.
Official statistics from the Central Bank reveal that the primary channel of fraud remains phone calls, accounting for over 45%, while messenger services are used in only about 15% of cases.
WhatsApp, which had an audience of over 97 million users in Russia in July, accused the Kremlin of trying to deny people access to secure communication.
The company emphasized that its application is protected by end-to-end encryption by default, which is why the government is attempting to block it.
Telegram, with over 90 million users, stated that it is taking measures against abuse of the platform but has also faced restrictions.
Many see these developments as evidence of Russia’s increasing desire to control the digital space and limit access to alternative services, reflecting authoritarian tendencies within the country.