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A Russian government-backed messaging app called MAX, seen as a competitor to WhatsApp and criticized by opponents as a potential surveillance tool, will be required to be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets starting next month, officials announced Thursday.
The move comes as Moscow pushes for greater control over its internet space while locked in a standoff with the West over Ukraine, which it frames as part of an effort to establish a new global order.
The government stated that MAX, which will also integrate with state services, will be included on a list of mandatory pre-installed apps for all “gadgets” sold in Russia beginning September 1.
State media dismissed allegations from Kremlin critics that MAX functions as a spying tool, arguing instead that it collects less user data than WhatsApp and Telegram.
From September 1, Russia’s domestic app store, RuStore—already pre-installed on Android devices—will also become mandatory on Apple devices. Additionally, a Russian-language app called LIME HD TV, which provides free access to state TV channels, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia beginning January 1.
The promotion of homegrown apps follows Moscow’s recent restrictions on certain calls made through WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, and Telegram. Authorities accused the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism investigations.
WhatsApp, which had 97.3 million users in Russia as of July, responded by accusing Moscow of trying to block access to secure communication. Telegram, with 90.8 million users, insisted it actively combats harmful activity on its platform.
According to Mediascope data, the third most popular messaging app in July was VK Messenger, with 17.9 million users. VK, the state-controlled tech company behind VK Messenger, also developed MAX.
MAX reported this week that 18 million people had already downloaded the app, though some features remain in testing.
On Wednesday, Russia’s interior ministry claimed MAX was more secure than foreign rivals but also revealed the arrest of a suspect in the first fraud case linked to the new messenger.
