In a significant shift for digital communication in Russia, the new messenger app Max is set to become a standard feature on all new digital devices sold in the country starting this September. Developed by VK, a prominent Russian tech company, Max is not just another messaging platform; it is poised to become a comprehensive information system, integrating messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments under one roof.
Surveillance Concerns
However, the introduction of Max has raised alarms among experts and civil rights advocates. Analysts suggest that the app could serve as a tool for the Kremlin to enhance its surveillance capabilities over the Russian populace. With its servers located within Russia, Max will be governed by local laws that permit the FSB, the country’s security service, to access user data. This has led to fears that the app could function as a “spy programme,” enabling a more rigid surveillance framework.
Mark Galeotti, a seasoned analyst of Russian security and politics, indicated that the likelihood of a ban on WhatsApp, which is currently used by over 70% of Russians, is increasing. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to steer the public towards using Max, thereby consolidating the Kremlin’s control over digital communications.
A Digital Gulag?
Opposition journalist Andrey Okun has described Max as central to the Kremlin’s vision of a “digital gulag,” where the authorities would exert complete control over citizens’ thoughts and activities. This sentiment echoes a growing concern that the app will create a sanitized digital environment, devoid of dissent and free expression.
Experts like Keir Giles, author of Russia’s War on Everybody, view the rollout of Max as part of a long-standing trend of normalizing state surveillance of internet usage in Russia. He notes that the perceived threat from Western communication technologies has consistently been a focal point for Russian security services, which have long been frustrated by the prevalence of foreign software that complicates their monitoring efforts.
Impact on Communication Landscape
The Russian government’s push to promote Max comes at a time when popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp are facing increasing scrutiny. With WhatsApp designated as an extremist organization by Russian authorities, its future in the country appears precarious. Experts suggest that the state may employ tactics ranging from outright bans to gradual restrictions to encourage users to transition to Max.
While the shift towards Max may not significantly alter the landscape of organized opposition against the government—activists often prefer more secure platforms like Proton Mail and Signal—it could have a chilling effect on casual dissent. As Prof. Galeotti points out, individuals who might otherwise share critical views of the Kremlin may hesitate to do so on a platform closely monitored by the state.
Historically, the Russian government has attempted to block services like Telegram, with limited success. Mikhail Klimarev, head of Russia’s Internet Protection Society, anticipates renewed efforts to ban Telegram by the end of the year, indicating that the struggle for digital freedom in Russia is far from over.
