Russia Requires MAX Message Application To Be Installed On Each Phone And Tablet

JAKARTA - The Russian government on Thursday, August 21, announced that a state-backed messaging application called MAX, a WhatsApp rival criticized as a user tracking device, must be installed on all phones and tablets starting next month.

The decision to promote the MAX comes amid Moscow's efforts to increase control over internet space, as tensions with the West are linked to Ukraine, which is considered part of efforts to form a new world order.

The Russian government in a statement stated that MAX, which will be integrated with government services, will be included in the list of mandatory applications installed on all "gadgets", including cell phones and tablets, sold in Russia from September 1.

State media have denied allegations by Kremlin critics that MAX is a spy app, stating that the app has fewer user data access permits than its rivals, WhatsApp and Telegram.

In addition, starting September 1, Russia's domestic app store, RuStore, which is mandatory to be installed on all Android devices, will also be required to be installed on Apple devices.

The Russian-language TV app LIME HD TV, which allows users to watch state TV channels for free, will also be required to be installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia starting January 1.

The push to promote this local app comes after Russia this month announced restrictions on several calls on WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, and Telegram, on charges that the foreign platform failed to share information with law enforcement in cases of fraud and terrorism.

WhatsApp, which in July had a reach of 97.3 million users in Russia, responded by accusing Moscow of trying to block Russian citizens access to safe communications. Meanwhile, Telegram, with a range of 90.8 million users, stated that it is actively fighting the abuse of their platform.

According to Mediascope data, Russia's third most popular messaging app in July was VK Messenger with 17.9 million users, developed by state-controlled technology company VK, which is also developing MAX.

MAX claims that 18 million users have downloaded its app, some of which are still in the testing phase.

Russia's Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, August 20, stated that MAX is safer than foreign rivals, but they have also arrested a suspect in the first fraud case to use this new messaging app.