Kremlin-Backed Messaging App Max to Come Pre-Installed on Devices Starting Next Month - The Moscow Times
www.themoscowtimes.com
Russia’s new state-backed messaging app Max will come pre-installed on all devices sold in the country starting on Sept. 1, the government announced Thursday. “Max is expected to serve as a multifunctional information exchange service, offering secure messaging and convenient digital services from both government and business,” an official statement read.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36118716

Context

Wikipedia.

Max (stylized in all uppercase; Russian: Макс, [ˈmaks] MAKS) is a Russian messenger released by VK in 2025. As of July 2025, it is in beta-testing stage. By analogy with the Chinese platform WeChat, a universal mobile application (“superapp”) is being developed on the basis of Max, which allows, in addition to using the functions of the messenger, to also receive electronic Gosuslugi, verify identity through a digital ID, use a strengthened electronic signature, and also make payments.

Russia’s new state-backed messaging app Max will come pre-installed on all devices sold in the country starting on Sept. 1, the government announced Thursday.

  • WhatAmLemmy@lemmy.worldEnglish
    8·
    3 days ago

    FYI, there isn’t much difference between this and mandatory encryption backdoors. Both are fundamentally authoritarian… So when your gov’s push for encryption backdoors, they are a domestic enemy en par with Putin and all other dictatorships.