state surveillance Archives

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia bans WhatsApp, pushes state-backed alternative

Russia has blocked the messaging service WhatsApp, citing its failure to comply with Russian legal standards. The Kremlin has encouraged users to switch to a state-backed alternative called MAX, which lacks end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about user data accessibility and state surveillance. In the past year, Russia has also limited calls on WhatsApp and Telegram due to their unwillingness to cooperate with law enforcement. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized these actions as censorship aimed at suppressing free speech. In response to the ban, many Russians have begun using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access WhatsApp, while the state communications regulator plans to impose further restrictions on Telegram.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

UK-based founders accused of sharing app data with Iranian authorities

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani lead TS Information Technology, a UK branch of the Iranian firm Towse’e Saman Information Technology, known for developing Gap Messenger, a domestic alternative to Telegram. The company is registered in West Sussex, UK. Gap Messenger claims to be encrypted and not share user data with third parties, but Iranian digital rights researchers have raised concerns about its involvement in state surveillance, supported by leaked emails from Iran’s attorney general's office from 2022. Mahdi Anjidani, the CEO, has publicly supported government regulation of foreign messaging apps and has identified himself as a proponent of the Islamic Revolution. Gap Messenger operates within Iran's state-controlled internet, often during internet shutdowns linked to protests. The Anjidani brothers' business operations suggest a close alignment with Iranian authorities, as domestic messaging platforms typically require significant political backing to operate.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

To the MAX: Authoritarian states are developing messaging apps in an effort to control their populations

In Novorossiysk, Russia, students are mandated to install the state-backed MAX messaging app to avoid exclusion from winter examinations, part of a broader initiative to shift communication to this platform. This reflects a trend in Russia where the government promotes state-sanctioned IT services, similar to efforts seen in other authoritarian regimes. MAX is compared unfavorably to WeChat, which has a robust ecosystem and a large user base, while MAX struggles to gain traction in a smaller Russian market. Previous Russian efforts at creating sovereign messaging apps, like TamTam and ICQ New, have failed. Laws now require communication through MAX, raising concerns about privacy and security. Despite initial resistance, there is a potential for MAX to become a communication staple in Russia if alternative platforms are restricted. In Iran, the state-run super app Rubika has faced public resistance, similar to the skepticism surrounding MAX in Russia as it may facilitate state censorship.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Controversy is growing as the Russian government virtually forced the use of the messenger app “MAX,..

The Russian government has mandated the use of the state-controlled messenger app "Max," which lacks end-to-end encryption and allows access to sensitive personal information. As of October 1, all new mobile phones sold in Russia must come pre-loaded with the Max app. Users must register with a Russian or Belarusian phone number and a government-issued ID. The number of Max users increased from 1 million in June to 30 million by September, though it remains significantly lower than WhatsApp and Telegram's user bases. President Vladimir Putin signed legislation to develop a 'national messenger' to reduce reliance on foreign services following the invasion of Ukraine. The Russian telecommunications agency Roskomnazor has started blocking calls through WhatsApp and Telegram, with civil servants facing pressure to switch to the Max app.

AppWizard

September 2, 2025

Citizen Lab Exposes Hidden Ties in 20 Android VPN Apps with 700M Downloads

Researchers from Citizen Lab discovered that over 20 popular Android VPN applications, collectively downloaded 700 million times, are interconnected through undisclosed ownership ties. These applications, marketed as independent privacy solutions, share codebases, servers, and encryption vulnerabilities. The VPN providers are categorized into three families linked to a Russian entity, a Chinese company, and another with ambiguous origins. Apps like Turbo VPN, X-VPN, and UFO VPN share cryptographic keys and backdoors, increasing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks. Many applications use outdated encryption methods, making it easy for attackers to decrypt user traffic. Some apps route user data through servers in jurisdictions with lax privacy regulations, exposing sensitive information. The investigation revealed identical backend infrastructures among different apps, despite claims of no-log policies, breaching user trust. Hidden trackers within the apps contradict their privacy assurances. Regulators are beginning to respond, with Google removing problematic apps and the EU considering stricter data access regulations. Experts recommend choosing vetted, paid VPN services that undergo independent audits to ensure better security.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

Inside Putin’s attempt to construct a ‘digital gulag’ spy app to snoop on Russians

The new messenger app Max, developed by VK, will be a standard feature on all new digital devices sold in Russia starting this September. It aims to integrate messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments. Experts express concerns that Max could enhance Kremlin surveillance capabilities, as its servers will be governed by local laws allowing the FSB to access user data. There is an increasing likelihood of a ban on WhatsApp, which is currently used by over 70% of Russians, as part of a strategy to promote Max. Opposition journalist Andrey Okun describes Max as a tool for creating a "digital gulag," while experts note it normalizes state surveillance of internet usage in Russia. The Russian government has designated WhatsApp as an extremist organization, and tactics may be employed to transition users to Max. Although the shift may not change the organized opposition landscape significantly, it could discourage casual dissent. Historically, the government has attempted to block services like Telegram, with renewed efforts expected by the end of the year.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Russia launches new messenger app that can spy on citizens

Russia is set to unveil a new device featuring an application called Max, which integrates messaging, video calls, payments, and access to government services. There are concerns about potential state surveillance due to data being stored on Russian servers, which could be accessed by the Federal Security Service (FSB). The possible ban on WhatsApp may drive users to adopt Max as their primary communication tool. Critics argue that Max represents a shift towards increased digital control, potentially compromising personal freedoms by combining communication and government services in one platform.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Putin’s ‘digital gulag’: Inside the Kremlin’s attempt to construct a spy app to snoop on Russians

A new messenger app named Max, developed by Russian tech company VK, will be pre-installed on all new digital devices sold in Russia starting September. Analysts express concerns that Max, which integrates messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments, could be used as a surveillance tool by the Kremlin due to its architecture and local server location. There are fears that it may enable the government to monitor citizens closely, with a potential ban on popular apps like WhatsApp to steer users towards Max. Russian opposition journalist Andrey Okun has described Max as part of a "digital gulag" that allows for strict government oversight of citizens. Experts suggest that the introduction of Max is part of a broader initiative to enhance state surveillance capabilities. The Russian government has previously expressed frustration with foreign apps complicating surveillance, and attempts to block platforms like Telegram have had limited success, indicating a potential increase in efforts to control messaging services in the future.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Russia Launches An App That Could Spy On Its Citizens, Likely To Ban WhatsApp

Russia will launch a new digital device featuring a messenger app named Max in September, which will include messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payment options. The app will be pre-installed on all new devices in the country, and its servers will be located in Russia, potentially allowing the FSB access to user data. Experts express concerns that Max may facilitate state surveillance and could lead to the banning of global messaging platforms like WhatsApp. The development of Max is reportedly linked to President Vladimir Putin's orders and reflects the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to monitor digital communications and assert control over the online environment in Russia.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Putin signs-off on state messaging app

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the creation of a state-backed messaging platform to reduce reliance on foreign services. The new app will integrate with government services and address security vulnerabilities in existing platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. It will be pre-installed on all new smartphones sold in Russia and mandated for communication within public institutions. This initiative aims to enhance Russia's digital sovereignty amid the withdrawal of Western tech firms since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. There are concerns about user privacy and potential state surveillance, with critics suggesting the government may restrict access to foreign messaging services to promote the state-run alternative.