MOSCOW (Reuters) – A new Russian messenger app called MAX, which some critics allege may be used for user tracking, is set to become mandatory on all mobile phones and tablets starting next month, as stated by the Russian government.
This move aims to tighten Moscow’s grip on the digital landscape amidst ongoing tensions with the West regarding Ukraine, which Russia views as part of a broader strategy to redefine global order.
The government mentioned that MAX, designed to integrate with state services, will be included in a list of required pre-installed applications on all “gadgets” sold within Russia from September 1.
State media countered allegations from Kremlin detractors claiming MAX serves as a spying tool, asserting instead that it requires fewer permissions to access user data compared to competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Additionally, from September 1, RuStore, Russia’s domestic app store—which is already on all Android devices—will also be required to be pre-installed on Apple devices.
Moreover, the government announced that a Russian-language TV app named LIME HD TV, which offers access to state television channels for free, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in the country starting January 1.
This initiative to promote local apps follows Russia’s recent decision to limit certain functionalities on WhatsApp and Telegram, owned by Meta Platforms, accusing these foreign services of not cooperating with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism investigations.
WhatsApp, with 97.3 million users in Russia as of July, claimed that Moscow is attempting to restrict secure communication for its citizens, whereas Telegram, boasting 90.8 million users, emphasized its efforts to combat misuse of its platform.
According to Mediascope, VK Messenger, developed by state-controlled VK, was the third most popular messaging app in July, reaching 17.9 million users. MAX reported this week that its app has been downloaded by 18 million users, although some features are still being tested.
On Wednesday, Russia’s interior ministry stated that MAX is safer than foreign apps, although it also revealed the arrest of a suspect in a fraud case involving the new messenger.
