On June 10, the Russian Parliament took a significant step by passing legislation aimed at establishing a new messenger application designed to integrate state services seamlessly. The details outlined in the law suggest a clear inclination towards a messaging platform known as Max, developed by VK, the largest social media entity in Russia.
In a recent announcement, Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev disclosed that VK has already crafted a “fully Russian messenger,” which is said to match, if not exceed, the technical prowess of its foreign counterparts. This development is poised to reshape the communication landscape within the country.
Integration of State Services
The State Duma, the official portal of the Russian parliament, emphasized that the new app will allow users to utilize electronic signatures for signing documents directly within the platform. Moreover, it will facilitate the verification of essential information such as identity, age, eligibility for benefits, and educational credentials, effectively aiming to reduce reliance on traditional paper documentation.
Sergey Boyarsky, the head of the parliamentary committee on information policy, elaborated on the app’s practical applications, stating, “With this application, you’ll be able to confirm your age at a supermarket checkout or even check into a hotel without presenting any paper documents.” Furthermore, the app is set to become the primary medium for educational services and communication within educational institutions across all levels.
Despite the current dominance of Western messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which remain popular for everyday communication—ranging from school group chats to family conversations—the introduction of this national messenger could catalyze a shift in user behavior. Schools will now be mandated to adopt the new application, and its integration with state services may encourage many users to transition entirely or at least install it alongside their existing messaging platforms.
In a discussion with the opposition media outlet TV Rain, Mikhail Klimarev, the head of the NGO Internet Protection Society, indicated that Telegram might be the first target for restrictions, pondering whether it would face a complete ban or a gradual phase-out.
The Max messenger bears a resemblance to China’s WeChat, functioning as a multifaceted platform that combines messaging, social networking, search capabilities, and payment systems. Users will have the convenience of ordering food, booking tickets, and scheduling medical appointments all within one application. However, WeChat has faced scrutiny for issues related to censorship and surveillance.
According to reports from Meduza, there is a prevailing sentiment among Russian social media users that the domestic version of the app may follow a similar trajectory, particularly given VK’s history of collaboration with Russian authorities.
