Government Mandates Pre-Installation of State-Backed Messaging App
A new directive from the Russian government mandates that MAX, a state-backed messaging application designed to rival popular platforms like WhatsApp, will be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets starting next month. This decision has raised concerns among critics who fear that the app may be utilized for surveillance purposes.
The push for MAX’s adoption comes in the wake of restrictions placed on WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, and Telegram. The government has accused these foreign-owned services of not cooperating adequately with law enforcement in matters related to fraud and terrorism. As a result, the authorities are intensifying their efforts to promote a homegrown alternative that aligns more closely with state interests.
In a statement released on Thursday, officials emphasized that MAX will be integrated with various government services, enhancing its utility for users while simultaneously increasing the state’s oversight of digital communications. From September 1, MAX will be included in the list of mandatory applications for all “gadgets,” which encompasses both mobile phones and tablets sold within the country.
Additionally, the government announced that RuStore, Russia’s domestic app store currently pre-installed on all Android devices, will also be required to be pre-installed on Apple devices starting on the same date. This move aims to further consolidate the state’s influence over the digital landscape.
Looking ahead, the government has also revealed plans to pre-install LIME HD TV, an online Russian-language television application that provides access to state TV channels at no cost, on all smart TVs sold in Russia beginning January 1 of the following year. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to ensure that state-controlled media remains accessible to the public while reinforcing the government’s presence in the digital realm.
