THE “War” technological and digital that Russia has lived for several years has just taken a new step, because From 1 September 2025All The mobile devices sold in the country must bring max pre – -installenThe messaging app that the Russian government wants to make a local alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram.
An application that tries to be the “Russian Wechat”
It is important to clarify it Max is not a new applicationIn fact, already Has more than 18 million users activity. It is presented as a Messaging platform capable of integrating multiple servicesFrom payment to government efforts, in the style of what the WeChat application does in China.
His mandatory arrival to all devices in the country responds to Government strategy to strengthen internet control and reduce dependence on foreign apps. Since war began with Ukraine, Moscow limited access to Facebook, Twitter And, more recently, Calls limited vowels on WhatsApp And Telegram, claiming national security reasons.
With this initiative, Citizens are sought “Completely safe” (regulated by the government) for free, which can replace social platforms as a whole (or this is what you believe).
Criticism for cases of espionage and fraud
As expected, The criticisms before this have not been coming for a long time. Various analysts and opponents accuse the app in terms of being a Hidden surveillance tooldesigned to collect information from citizens. The official media deny it, ensuring that the app even requires less permissions than its western rivals.
However, The application has already been involved in various cases of fraud. In fact, the authorities recently arrested the first user accused of having deceived another person through Max, with a fraud near 5000 euros.
Another step towards digital control
The measure is not limited only to the world of messaging. Together with Max, The Russian government will ask Rustorethe National Application Store, Come installed in both Android and Apple mobile phones.
Moreover, In the case of televisions intelligent, everything They must include lime HD TVA streaming app with free access to the country’s main channels.
Max is mandatory, as well as the Rustor Apps Store, Rehearsals Russia’s strategy to build its own digital ecosystemwith local applications that replace the Westerners. For some, it is a logical movement in the current context, although for others, It is a threat to users’ freedom and privacy.
What is clear is that Max is not just a messaging applicationIt is a political strategy that seeks that the digital life of the Russians depends more and more services controlled by the government.
