domestic alternatives Archives

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Russian censorship agency threatens total block of WhatsApp citing terror links

Roskomnadzor, Russia's media regulator, has warned WhatsApp that it could be blocked unless it complies with local laws, citing concerns about the platform's use for terrorist activities and fraud. The agency highlighted WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption as an obstacle for law enforcement. Since August, Roskomnadzor has implemented gradual restrictions, including blocking voice calls and instructing telecom operators to stop text message verifications for new users, with a complete ban possible if compliance is not met. The regulator has suggested users switch to domestic alternatives, such as the state-backed MAX messaging app. WhatsApp has around 97 million users in Russia and has faced increasing scrutiny amid a broader crackdown on foreign messaging services. The company has reiterated its commitment to end-to-end encryption but has not publicly responded to Roskomnadzor's latest threats.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Russia to Mandate State-Backed Messenger ‘Max’ on All New Phones from September

From September 1, 2025, the state-backed messaging application Max will be pre-installed on all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia, as mandated by the Kremlin. Max aims to serve as a domestic alternative to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram and will integrate with various government services. The app has been developed by the state-controlled technology giant VK and has garnered approximately 18 million downloads. WhatsApp currently leads the market with 97.3 million users, followed by Telegram with 90.8 million, and VK Messenger with 17.9 million. Supporters highlight Max's safety features, while critics worry about potential surveillance. The Russian government is also implementing restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram due to alleged non-cooperation with law enforcement. Additionally, starting in September, all Apple devices sold in Russia will come pre-installed with RuStore, a domestic alternative to app stores, and from January 1, 2026, all smart TVs sold in Russia must include Lime HD TV, an app for state-run television channels.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Russia Mandates Pre-Installation of MAX Messenger on All Phones as Rival to WhatsApp and Telegram

The Russian government has mandated that all smartphones and tablets sold in the country must come pre-installed with MAX, a state-backed messaging application, starting September 1, 2025. This initiative is part of a strategy to enhance control over digital communications, requiring devices to also include RuStore, Russia's domestic app store, and from January 1, 2026, all smart TVs sold must feature LIME HD TV. MAX is presented as a secure alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, which have faced restrictions in Russia due to compliance issues. As of July 2025, WhatsApp had approximately 97.3 million users in Russia, and Telegram had around 90.8 million users. MAX, developed by VK, a state-controlled firm, reported 18 million downloads during testing. Approximately 105 million Russians own smartphones, indicating that about 72 percent of the population possesses one. There were around 216 million mobile connections in Russia as of early 2025.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Russian Regulators Restrict WhatsApp, Telegram In Latest Internet Crackdown

Russian regulators, through Roskomnadzor, are implementing partial restrictions on phone calls made via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in fraudulent activities. This action is part of a strategy to promote a government-managed "super app" called Max, developed by VK, which aims to consolidate various services into one platform. The initiative aims to enhance oversight over communications and information access for Russian citizens. WhatsApp has acknowledged the restrictions while emphasizing the importance of maintaining end-to-end encryption. Activist Mikhail Klimarev has warned that severe restrictions could negatively impact the economy and public perception.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Russia moves to restrict foreign messaging apps on Putin’s order

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to create new restrictions on foreign messaging applications and software from "unfriendly" countries. Plans are underway to limit the use of foreign communication services in Russia, potentially targeting WhatsApp, which is currently the only Meta service not banned. Russian Senator Artem Sheikin suggested that WhatsApp could face a block by 2025 if it does not comply with Russian regulations. The status of Telegram is uncertain, as it denies ties to Russian authorities despite investigations suggesting otherwise. In response, Russian officials are required to use the Max messenger from VK, which has extensive access to users' devices and relays data to servers linked to Vkontakte, a social network controlled by Russian authorities.