In a significant shift within the Russian educational landscape, universities across the country are mandating the use of the national messaging app, Max, effectively compelling students to install the application. Reports indicate that refusal to adopt Max is increasingly met with pressure and sanctions.
Mandatory Adoption of Max in Higher Education
A student from the Northern (Arctic) Federal University in Arkhangelsk shared with Barents Observer that the university administration has made it a requirement for students to download the Max messaging app as a condition for continuing their studies. According to the student, they were informed that within a few weeks, the existing educational system, Modius—developed by Microsoft—would cease to function. Essential features such as class schedules, group chats, and communication with faculty and administration will only be accessible through Max. While the student has not seen any official documentation, group leaders were told that this decision comes from higher authorities rather than the university itself. In November 2025, the government of Arkhangelsk region announced that all educational institutions would transition to the national messenger:
“There is a concept of digital sovereignty. It is crucial to understand that MAX is our Russian development, which, in my opinion, is safer than foreign messengers. Our key task is to ensure the safety of participants in the educational process.”
Pressure Tactics from Arkhangelsk to Irkutsk
According to the publication “Grozа,” by the end of November this year, coercion to install Max has been reported in at least 23 Russian universities. At the Kuban State Technological University, curators informed students that the administration is “monitoring connections” to Max, and registration is mandatory. Group leaders were told that the Ministry of Education had sent the university results of a “connection monitoring,” and now students are expected to register actively.
At St. Petersburg State University, access to corporate Wi-Fi is now only available through a bot in Max, a change from the previous method of using the university’s website with student email. A new password generated in the messenger will be valid for six months. Meanwhile, at the Kazan Federal University’s Chemical Institute, students were informed that starting in 2026, access to buildings, electronic student IDs, and grade books would be available exclusively through Max. Although the system is currently in a “test mode,” group leaders have already been required to join chats in the new messenger.
Students at Baikal State University in Irkutsk report that without Max installed, they are barred from taking exams and assessments. They claim that instructors are directly refusing to grant credits, and all educational information is now published solely in the new application. Group leaders are asked to report daily on how many students have registered.
At the Kursk Medical University, students face threats of denial for exemption from attendance requirements and complications with retaking exams if they do not install Max. Complaints regarding the administration’s actions have been directed to the rector and Rosobrnadzor.
In one faculty at Kuban State University, students were warned of disciplinary measures and required to submit explanations if they refused to comply with the order to transition to Max. The use of other messaging platforms for educational communication has effectively been prohibited.
In response to inquiries from Communist Party deputy Oleg Mikhailov, the Ministry of Digital Development previously stated that coercion to install Max is illegal. However, in practice, no alternatives are being offered to students. “Thus, no one has the right to force you to install the MAX messenger and use it, as this is entirely voluntary. Use it if you wish,” the deputy stated.
Max: A Multifunctional Tool with Controversial Features
Max is a messaging application developed by a subsidiary of the VK holding company. Launched in beta in the spring of 2025, it quickly gained traction, with President Vladimir Putin signing a law in June to establish a “national messenger.” Authorities have explicitly indicated that Max will serve as a multifunctional information exchange service, with the government actively promoting the app through popular bloggers and influencers.
Marketed as a secure domestic alternative to foreign messaging services, Max has emerged amid the blocking of popular platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram by Russian authorities. However, experts and human rights advocates have repeatedly pointed out that Max lacks end-to-end encryption, making user data vulnerable to surveillance. Communications within this messenger could potentially be accessible to security agencies in real-time, with messages and online publications already being used as key evidence in politically motivated criminal cases.
Moreover, Max’s functionalities are expanding beyond mere communication. On December 18, the State Duma passed a law allowing age verification for purchasing alcohol and tobacco products through the messenger. Another recent development involves the transition of housing chat functions to Max, as a law was enacted requiring property management and utility companies to interact with residents of apartment buildings through this service.
